Latest news with #Perkinsusmarinus
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
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Alabama School of Math and Science students research ocean acidification's effect on local oysters
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – Six high school students at the Alabama School of Math and Science are taking science to the sea. They are students from all over the state of Alabama doing college-level research projects that deal with our coastal ecosystems. All of these projects deal with ocean acidification, which occurs when excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reacts with water and creates carbonic acid. Lillian Abernathy, a student researcher at ASMS, explains, 'Carbonic acid takes away the necessary nutrients that oysters need to grow their shells.' Heavy Mobile police presence at Knollwood Apartments Here are the six projects these students are researching: Calcium-binding proteins in Crassostrea virginica as indicators of in situ pH stress (Lillian Abernathy, a senior from Geneva County). Evaluating the impact of phytochemicals on reducing pathogenicity in Crassostrea virginica under ocean acidification (Naria Khristoforova, a senior from Shelby County). Effect of ocean acidification, Perkinsus marinus, submerged aquatic vegetation on apoptosis of hemocytes in Crassostrea virginica (BoKyeong Kim, a junior from Autauga County). Ocean acidification's impact on the susceptibility of Perkinsus marinus in Crassostrea virginica (Hyerin Park, a junior from Autauga County) Effects of ocean acidification on Pif gene expression in Crassostrea virginica (Kayty Phan, a junior from Mobile County). Lower pH levels decrease the productivity of the nitrogen cycle in Crassostrea virginica pallial fluid (Emma Kate South, a junior from Baldwin County) 'I'm looking at gene expression and what's called the extra pallial fluid cavity in the eastern oyster,' said Emma Kate South, another student researcher. Ocean acidification can also affect the oyster's immune system. Hyerin Park notes that this makes oysters more susceptible to Parkinsus marinas, which eats away at the oyster's tissue. 'It's a really common pathogen down here and it really affects a lot of the oysters,' Park said. Protecting oysters is very important for conserving our local habitats and preserving a way of life for many along the Gulf Coast. Abernathy stated, 'Maintaining those populations is something I'm really passionate about because people need to make money.' The Alabama School of Math and Science is able to provide these students with these research opportunities thanks to university level labs. This research helps students decide their future. Pensacola officer injured after impaired driver crashes into patrol car: FHP 'Funding from NOAA from the education grant gives us the ability to do this class…and a skillset that is transferable from high school on to college,' said Dr. Rebecca Domangue. She works alongside Dr. Natalie Ortell as principal investigators from the biology department overseeing the research. Kayty Phan, a student researcher, said, 'We're able to have different research and findings and be able to explore ourselves of what we like to do. If we like research or maybe we like a different path.' This research at the Alabama School of Math and Science is Growing the Gulf Coast while empowering students far into the future. 'Folks that care about climate science, folks that will care about policy, folks that care about their communities and their neighbors,' said Dr. Domangue. The research team would like to thank these organizations for their help in making this research possible: Jackie Wilson, Bama Bay Oysters LLC Valerie Longa, Mobile Baykeeper Dr. Tina Miller-Way and Dr. Jeff Krause, Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dr. Nancy Rice and Dr. Alison Henry, Biomedical Sciences Department, University of South Alabama Dr. Sinead Ni Chadhain, Biology Department, University of South Alabama Dr. Dennis McGillicuddy and Dr. Jennie Rheuban, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
