Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Monday advised people not to consume fish that had surfaced on the banks of Jhelum River in Srinagar.President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said consumption of these fish could result in serious health hazard.“In an unusual phenomenon, yesterday thousands of fish washed up on the shore of Jhelum river in Chattabal area of Srinagar city,” he said.“Though most of the fish were alive, there were many which were on the verge of death,” he added.Dr Nisar said we were disturbed by the number of people that showed up to collect the fish and take them home. He warned people not to eat these fish as it is not yet clear what has caused this strange occurrence. “We should not take them till the reports of fish and water samples come,” he said. DAK President said while the concerned authorities have “speculated” lack of oxygen in water, there could be variety of other factors responsible for this rare happening. Infections, toxins and environmental contaminants could give this unexpected sight. He said consumption of such fish can cause severe infections and life-threatening diseases in humans. People can get these infections not only by eating fish but by handling them too.“Marine toxins are heat stable and largely unaffected by cooking, said Dr Nisar adding that these toxins can cause immediate grave health consequences and can have serious long term health risks.” (CNS)