Two laboratory tests have confirmed rare cancer in a single smallmouth bass that was caught last year by an angler in the middle Susquehanna River, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). After catching the smallmouth bass, it was provided to PFBC. The commission made the announcement about the cancer during its quarterly business meeting.

According to reports, tumors on fish are very rare in the United States, but they do occur. PFBC stated that the case is the only documented case of the rare tumor that has been found on smallmouth bass in Pennsylvania. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory at Michigan State University have also confirmed the tumor in smallmouth bass.

John Arway, executive director of the fish commission, said the tests have provided the information that only one fish has the rare cancer from the overall population, but the tests also provided additional evidence that other fish living in the river are being compromised.

Arway said, "As we continue to study the river, we find young-of-year and now adult bass with sores, lesions and more recently a cancerous tumor, all of which continue to negatively impact population levels and recreational fishing". According to Arway, the tests have suggested that there is an urgent need to take some actions one the behalf of the fish.

Commission biologists have examined over 20,000 smallmouth bass as part of routine surveys in the Susquehanna River basin. According to the reports, the biologists have not found any fish with signs of the rare cancer. As per the biologists they will continue to find sores and lesions on bass during spring and early summer surveys at alarming rates.

Dr. Karen Murphy, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, said people should avoid eating fish that have signs of sores and lesions.