The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of two different oyster diseases in Spence Cove, New Brunswick, Canada.
The CFIA reported the presence of multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX), caused by the parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni, and Dermo, also known as Perkinsosis, which is caused by Perkinsus marinus, in Spence Cove. Neither pathogen poses a health risk to humans, and the oysters are still safe to eat; however, both cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates.
“This is the first confirmed case of MSX in New Brunswick and the first confirmed case of Dermo in Canada,” the CFIA said.
To limit the spread of the pathogens, CFIA, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and provincial officials in New Brunswick are working with stakeholders and Indigenous communities to monitor the situation.
“These actions are part of the Canada's One Health approach to prepare for, detect, and manage animal diseases,” CFIA said. “In addition to existing robust protective measures and increased animal surveillance measures, the CFIA, DFO, and the province continue to conduct tracing activities and testing of oysters to gain insight into the presence of MSX and Dermo in the area.”
The CFIA said its response to the detection will entail ...
