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From the U.S. Geological Survey:

Estrogen chemicals have long been known to interfere with reproductive systems in fish—think male fish growing eggs. But we weren’t sure if the same chemicals also could affect a fish’s immune system like they affect mammals’ immune systems.

In a recent USGS study, scientists demonstrated that yes, indeed, estrogenic compounds can affect a fish’s immune system. In so doing, they may cause fish tobe more prone to disease. For instance, periodic fish mortality have been seen in streams and other water bodies where estrogenic compounds have also been found.

The study focused on channel catfish, mostly because their immune systems have been well-documented.

You can access the study itself here:http://on.doi.gov/1Ks6EU0 This study was featured in our Winter 2015 USGS GeoHealth Newsletter, so if you’d like to see more environmental health science, why not check it out? http://www.usgs.gov/envirohealth/geohealth/

Image shows USGS biologist Terry Maret holding a channel catfish. Credit: Dorene MacCoy, USGS.#science #USGS #toxicology