Brain-invading parasite found in popular fish species, poses health risk.
The parasite Bucephaloides gracilescens metacercaria was found in high numbers in whiting, haddock, and hake fish in the Irish Sea. The parasite mainly infects the cranial fluid around the brain, but can also be found in other areas like spinal nerves and eye muscles. Infection rates were consistently high over an 18-month period. This study adds to previous knowledge about similar parasites in these types of fish.