Rare Contagious Cancer Found in Lake Memphremagog Bullhead Catfish
Scientists have identified a rare, contagious, and parasite-like cancer in bullhead catfish found in Lake Memphremagog. The disease causes visible black lesions and tumors on the fish.

Boston, MA, July 23, 2026 —
Scientists have identified a rare and contagious cancer affecting bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog. The disease, which is described as parasite-like, causes visible black lesions and tumors to develop on the fish.
The presence of this rare cancer in the lake’s bullhead catfish population was confirmed through scientific research. The exact prevalence and specific impact on the broader ecosystem are subjects of ongoing scientific interest.
Details regarding the timeline of the discovery or the specific methods used in the identification of the cancer were not provided. Further research may be needed to understand the full scope of this health issue within the aquatic environment of Lake Memphremagog.
Story summarized from the original created by WBUR on www.wbur.org, see more information here.