What Are the Dangers of Using Chicken Manure for Fish Feed?

Chicken manure is a supplement used to feed cattle and some fish. Chicken manure is used to replace more expensive feeds making it easier to raise larger schools of fish. However, along with this expense saving, there is also a price. Feeding chicken manure to fish also brings several dangers to the fish, their environment and the humans who may consume those fish.

  1. Salmonella

    • One of the greatest risks that comes from feeding fish chicken manure is the risk of salmonella poisoning. Salmonella is a bacteria found in most chicken products, including eggs, meat and manure. Salmonella can pose a danger to the fish themselves, and to humans who consume fish with salmonella bacteria present in the flesh of the fish.

    Pathogens and Bacteria

    • Many other pathogens and bacteria are present in chicken manure, including viruses and bacteria that can make people and fish sick. When this manure is eaten, these pathogens and bacteria are transferred to the skin, gills and intestines of the fish. It has not been proven that the flesh of the fish become contaminated, however. These pathogens and bacteria also get transferred to the water, which can cause problems for animals and people who drink the water.

    Parasites

    • Some chicken manure contains parasites, such as worms, which can start living inside fish once consumed. These parasites can eat the fish from the inside out. If the parasites live dormant inside the fish, they can also be transferred to humans if the flesh of contaminated fish is eaten. However, heating manure to 160 degrees will kill these parasites, as will heating fish to the same temperature.

    Toxins

    • Other toxins, such as mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium, may also be present in chicken manure. Drug residues, from human uses, flushed into water systems and lying in ground water may also be present in some chicken manures. These toxins are nearly impossible to cook out.

    Contaminated Water

    • Chicken manure can quickly clog up ponds and tanks holding fish if it is not all consumed. It can attract unwanted pests and insects if not cleaned promptly. Frequently cleaning of the tank or pond can reduce this particular danger.

    Public Opinion

    • There is a stigma against eating fish that have been fed chicken manure. People do not like the idea of consuming fish that have consumed manure, even if many fish eat manure in the wild. Many people may choose to purchase other brands of fish if it is known that one brand was fed chicken manure.