Fish Pathogens and Associated Zoonotic Risks in Aquaculture: A Global One Health Perspective

ABSTRACT Aquaculture sector is a key contributor to global food and nutritional security, yet its rapid intensification has heightened concerns about the emergence and spread of zoonotic fish pathogens that threaten human, animal and environmental health. This scoping review provides a comprehensive synthesis of peer‐reviewed literature from 1980 to 2025 on the occurrence, prevalence and control barriers of fish‐borne zoonotic pathogens associated with aquaculture systems worldwide. Data were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, focusing on bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral agents with confirmed or potential zoonotic importance. A total of 289 studies met the inclusion criteria. Bacterial pathogens were the most commonly reported group, with Streptococcus iniae , Aeromonas hydrophila , Vibrio spp., Mycobacterium marinum and Edwardsiella tarda making up more than 70% of fish‐borne zoonotic cases. Parasitic infections caused by Clonorchis sinensis , Opisthorchis viverrini and Gnathostoma spinigerum remain endemic in several aquaculture‐intensive regions of Southeast Asia. Although less common, fungal pathogens, like Saprolegnia parasitica and Fusarium solani , pose opportunistic zoonotic threats, especially when infected fish is consumed raw or undercooked. Viral zoonotic infections linked to aquaculture remain exceedingly rare, with no confirmed human cases to date. The highest prevalence of fish‐borne zoonosis sporadic outbreaks was reported in Southeast Asia, Latin America and North Africa, regions characterised by intensive aquaculture activities and limited biosecurity infrastructure. The review identifies critical gaps in epidemiological surveillance, diagnostic capacity and integrated fish‐borne zoonotic risk assessment, especially in developing nations. Strengthening biosecurity, vaccination, water quality management and public health collaboration are key to mitigating these risks. Embedding aquaculture health management within a global One Health policy framework is essential to reduce fish‐borne‐related zoonotic pathogen transmission pathways while ensuring the sustainable expansion of aquaculture production.