Latest news with #Perkinsosis
CBC
05-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
CFIA confirms Prince Edward Island's 1st case of dermo, in oysters from Egmont Bay
Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay. "This is the first confirmed case of dermo in P.E.I.," the agency said in a news release issued Friday evening. "Dermo does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, but it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates." In a separate email, CFIA also said that tests had confirmed the first cases of both dermo and MSX for the province of Quebec, in oyster samples collected in Chaleur Bay. It's been eight months since what was considered the first detection of dermo in Canadian waters, in oysters from Spence Cove, about five kilometres west of the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick. Dermo disease or Perkinsosis, caused by a parasite called Perkinsus marinus, had previously been detected in Atlantic waters between Mexico and Maine. It affects both cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Oyster harvesters in P.E.I. fear overfishing, empty rivers next spring amid MSX concerns 25 days ago Duration 2:43 More than 80 of the Island's wild oyster harvesters had to find new places to fish after the MSX parasite forced the shutdown of Bedeque Bay last year. As CBC's Nancy Russell reports, the pressure to find more oysters has meant some rivers are being fished out — and that could mean no catches next spring. "Outbreaks of Perkinsosis usually occur with warm summer water temperatures above 20 C," a British government fact sheet on the disease says. "Clinical signs may include pale digestive glands, gaping, shrinking of the mantle away from the outer edge of the shell and stunted growth." The CFIA news release said dermo "does not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops or clams." Already dealing with MSX News of the positive test results from Egmont Bay will be another blow to the Island's oyster industry, which has been reeling from last July's discovery of MSX, short for multinucleate sphere unknown. That oyster disease was first detected in samples from P.E.I.'s Bedeque Bay, with more cases confirmed in other areas of the province in the months that followed. Like dermo, it affects only oysters and not the humans eating oysters from waters known to have MSX. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the parasite that causes dermo is easily transmitted among oysters, mostly when they are between one and three years of age. "Mortality rates are variable but are typically 50 per cent to 75 per cent," the agency says in a factsheet on its website. CFIA has power to limit movement In a statement to CBC News last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency acknowledged that it had been asked to test P.E.I. oyster samples for dermo, but said it had no results to share at that time. The agency did go on to outline what would happen if the samples did test positive. If a product in a PCZ [primary control zone] is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled. — Canadian Food Inspection Agency "To prevent the spread of dermo or any other animal diseases, the CFIA may establish a primary control zone (PCZ) in areas where a disease is suspected to occur," the statement said. That kind of move would let the agency control how oysters are handled and shipped within and outside the zone. "For example, if a product in a PCZ is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled; this means that a permit from the CFIA would be required to move this product within, through and outside of the PCZ," the statement said. "Any new PCZs would be posted as soon as possible on CFIA's website. When a new PCZ is put in place, the CFIA also notifies its provincial partners, stakeholders, Indigenous communities and industry through pre-existing communications channels."
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CFIA confirms Prince Edward Island's 1st case of dermo, in oysters from Egmont Bay
Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay. "This is the first confirmed case of dermo in P.E.I.," the agency said in a news release issued Friday evening. "Dermo does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, but it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates." In a separate email, CFIA also said that tests had confirmed the first cases of both dermo and MSX for the province of Quebec, in oyster samples collected in Chaleur Bay. It's been eight months since what was considered the first detection of dermo in Canadian waters, in oysters from Spence Cove, about five kilometres west of the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick. Dermo disease or Perkinsosis, caused by a parasite called Perkinsus marinus, had previously been detected in Atlantic waters between Mexico and Maine. It affects both cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica). "Outbreaks of Perkinsosis usually occur with warm summer water temperatures above 20 C," a British government fact sheet on the disease says. "Clinical signs may include pale digestive glands, gaping, shrinking of the mantle away from the outer edge of the shell and stunted growth." The CFIA news release said dermo "does not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops or clams." Already dealing with MSX News of the positive test results from Egmont Bay will be another blow to the Island's oyster industry, which has been reeling from last July's discovery of MSX, short for multinucleate sphere unknown. That oyster disease was first detected in samples from P.E.I.'s Bedeque Bay, with more cases confirmed in other areas of the province in the months that followed. Like dermo, it affects only oysters and not the humans eating oysters from waters known to have MSX. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the parasite that causes dermo is easily transmitted among oysters, mostly when they are between one and three years of age. "Mortality rates are variable but are typically 50 per cent to 75 per cent," the agency says in a factsheet on its website. CFIA has power to limit movement In a statement to CBC News last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency acknowledged that it had been asked to test P.E.I. oyster samples for dermo, but said it had no results to share at that time. The agency did go on to outline what would happen if the samples did test positive. If a product in a PCZ [primary control zone] is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled. — Canadian Food Inspection Agency "To prevent the spread of dermo or any other animal diseases, the CFIA may establish a primary control zone (PCZ) in areas where a disease is suspected to occur," the statement said. That kind of move would let the agency control how oysters are handled and shipped within and outside the zone. "For example, if a product in a PCZ is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled; this means that a permit from the CFIA would be required to move this product within, through and outside of the PCZ," the statement said. "Any new PCZs would be posted as soon as possible on CFIA's website. When a new PCZ is put in place, the CFIA also notifies its provincial partners, stakeholders, Indigenous communities and industry through pre-existing communications channels."
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CFIA confirms 1st P.E.I. case of dermo, in oysters from Egmont Bay
Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay. "This is the first confirmed case of dermo in P.E.I.," the agency said in a news release issued Friday evening. "Dermo does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, but it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates." It's been eight months since what was considered the first detection of the disease in Canadian waters, in oysters from Spence Cove, about five kilometres west of the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick. Dermo disease or Perkinsosis, caused by a parasite called Perkinsus marinus, had previously been detected in Atlantic waters between Mexico and Maine. "Outbreaks of Perkinsosis usually occur with warm summer water temperatures above 20 C," a British government fact sheet on the disease says. "Clinical signs may include pale digestive glands, gaping, shrinking of the mantle away from the outer edge of the shell and stunted growth." The CFIA said dermo "does not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops, or clams." Already dealing with MSX News of the positive test results from Egmont Bay will be another blow to the Island's oyster industry, which has been reeling from last July's discovery of MSX, short for multinucleate sphere unknown. That oyster disease was first detected in samples from P.E.I.'s Bedeque Bay, with more cases confirmed in other areas of the province in the months that followed. Like dermo, it affects only oysters and not the humans eating oysters from waters known to have MSX. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the parasite that causes dermo is easily transmitted among oysters, mostly when they are between one and three years of age. "Mortality rates are variable but are typically 50 per cent to 75 per cent," the agency says in a factsheet on its website. CFIA has power to limit movement In a statement to CBC News last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency acknowledged that it had been asked to test P.E.I. oyster samples for dermo, but said it had no results to share at that time. The agency did go on to outline what would happen if the samples did test positive. If a product in a PCZ [primary control zone] is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled. — Canadian Food Inspection Agency "To prevent the spread of dermo or any other animal diseases, the CFIA may establish a primary control zone (PCZ) in areas where a disease is suspected to occur," the statement said. That kind of move would let the agency control how oysters are handled and shipped within and outside the zone. "For example, if a product in a PCZ is deemed to be a potential risk, its movement would be controlled; this means that a permit from the CFIA would be required to move this product within, through and outside of the PCZ," the statement said. "Any new PCZs would be posted as soon as possible on CFIA's website. When a new PCZ is put in place, the CFIA also notifies its provincial partners, stakeholders, Indigenous communities and industry through pre-existing communications channels."
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Detection of Dermo in oysters in Prince Edward Island
OTTAWA, ON, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the aquatic animal disease Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in oyster samples collected in Egmont Bay, Prince Edward Island (PEI). Dermo does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, but it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates. This is the first confirmed case of Dermo in PEI. To limit the spread of the disease, the CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province of PEI are working together with partners to monitor the situation and take necessary action. These actions are part of the Government of Canada's One Health approach to prepare for, detect, and manage animal diseases. In addition to existing robust protective measures and increased animal surveillance, the CFIA, DFO and the Province of PEI continue to conduct activities to gain insight into the presence of Dermo in the area. At this time, these response measures include: applying movement controls to oysters in the area; further investigating the potential source of the detection; engaging scientists, producers and harvesters to continue to monitor mollusc health, including notifying CFIA or the Province of sick oysters or when decreased rates of growth or increased mortalities are observed; and ensuring that information regarding detection and movement control information is available. Quick Facts Perkinsus marinus causes Dermo in cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica). It does not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops, or clams; however, it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates. Dermo can be transmitted from oyster to oyster, or from water contaminated with the parasite. Dermo poses no risks to human health and is not a food safety concern. Canada's National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP), co-delivered by the CFIA and DFO, is responsible for preventing the introduction and/or spread of significant aquatic animal diseases of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans. Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) – Canadian Food Inspection Agency Perkinsus marinus ("Dermo" Disease) of Oysters – Fisheries and Oceans Canada National Aquatic Animal Health Program Facebook: CFIACanada X: @InspectionCan YouTube: @CFIA Instagram: @CFIA_Canada LinkedIn: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Each day, hard-working Canadian Food Inspection Agency employees—including inspectors, veterinarians, and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, work to protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada's animal resource base and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency verifies that food sold in Canada is safe while supporting access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Detections of MSX and Dermo in oysters in Quebec
OTTAWA, ON, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the aquatic animal diseases multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) and Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in oyster samples collected in Chaleur Bay, Québec. MSX and Dermo do not pose risks to human health or food safety, but they can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates. These are the first confirmed cases of MSX and Dermo in Quebec. To limit the spread of the diseases, the CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the province of Quebec are working together with partners to monitor the situation and take necessary action. These actions are part of the Government of Canada's One Health approach to prepare for, detect, and manage animal diseases. In addition to existing robust protective measures and increased animal surveillance, the CFIA, in collaboration with DFO and the province of Quebec, continues to conduct tracing activities and testing of oysters to gain insight into the presence of MSX and Dermo in the area. Response measures include: applying movement controls to oysters, further investigating the potential source of the detections, engaging scientists, producers and harvesters to continue to monitor mollusc health, including notifying CFIA or the province of sick oysters or when decreased rates of growth or increased mortalities are observed, and ensuring that information regarding detection and movement control information is available to producers. Quick Facts MSX and Dermo pose no risk to human health and are not food safety concerns. Haplosporidium nelsoni causes multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) in cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Perkinsus marinus causes Perkinsosis (also known as Dermo) in cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica). These diseases do not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops, or clams; however, they can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates. With MSX, it is presumed there is an unknown intermediary host which makes it harder to determine how it is spread. Dermo can be transmitted from oyster to oyster, or from water contaminated with the parasite. Canada's National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP), co-delivered by the CFIA and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is responsible for preventing the introduction and/or spread of significant aquatic animal diseases of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans. Facebook: CFIACanada X: @InspectionCan YouTube: @CFIA Instagram: @CFIA_Canada LinkedIn: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Each day, hard-working Canadian Food Inspection Agency employees—including inspectors, veterinarians, and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, work to protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada's animal resource base and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency verifies that food sold in Canada is safe while supporting access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit
