Researchers are investigating reports of dark-spotted brown bullhead catfish in New Brunswick to determine whether a contagious “catfish cancer” linked to Quebec has spread. Multiple outlets describe long-time observations by New Brunswick anglers and researchers, including Scott Young, who has fished across the province for decades and has noticed fish with abnormal spots. The work focuses on confirming whether the cases in New Brunswick are connected to the same disease identified in Quebec, rather than resulting from unrelated conditions. Researchers are examining affected fish and collecting information to assess the distribution and potential transmission of the disease across regions. The investigation reflects uncertainty about how widespread the contagious condition may be beyond its originally reported area, and it emphasizes ongoing monitoring to establish whether New Brunswick populations face an expansion of the problem. The reported sightings and the follow-up scientific checks are intended to clarify the geographic reach of the disease and guide future public awareness and monitoring efforts for aquatic wildlife.