Aquatic Pathogens

Other than through food poisonings, there are relative few infectious agents that you can catch directly from fish.

There are, however, a number of agents, including bacteria, protozoa, and even parasites, that are common denizens of pond water. Typically these cause dermatitis and skin irritation at the point of infection. If you work with water that is stagnant or laden with organic material, you should wash your hands and arms thoroughly after contact with the water (as when cleaning a fish tank). If you're in a situation in which you will spend a significant amount of time with your arms immensed in water, you should wear sturdy, impervious gloves.