From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada and the Province of Prince Edward
Island
OTTAWA,
ON, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of multinuclear
sphere X (MSX) caused by Haplosporidium nelsoni in
additional locations on Prince Edward
Island (PEI), including areas between Lennox Island and Freeland. While MSX prevents oysters from
thriving, such as decreased rates of growth and increased oyster
mortality, it is important to note that this disease poses no risk
to human health, nor does it pose a food safety risk.
On July 20, 2024, a Primary
Control Zone (PCZ) was declared for the area in and around Bedeque
Bay, PEI to limit the spread of MSX. A PCZ is a defined area
where the disease was reported or confirmed, and is declared using
authorities contained in the Health of Animals Act. The
movement of any designated animals (in this case, bivalves), things
(such as boats and equipment), and marine plants that have been in
contact with oysters and may be capable of spreading disease can
only be moved into, out of, within and through a PCZ with a permit
issued by the CFIA. On July 23, three
PCZs were also declared in areas where MSX has been confirmed,
including an area in Boughton River,
an area in Southwest River/New London Bay, and an area between
Lennox Island and Black Banks.
Collection, sampling and testing of oysters from other bodies of
water in PEI is ongoing. Additional sites outside the ones
mentioned above have been placed under quarantine as a temporary
measure as part of CFIA's tracing activities. Further movement
controls, such as additional PCZs, may be put in place for these
sites if MSX is confirmed to be present.
The CFIA has put in place permits and conditions that enable the
low-risk movement of oysters and other bivalves intended for human
consumption or retail within or out of the PCZ and other
quarantined zones. The CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and
the Province of PEI continue to meet with industry members and
stakeholders to provide regular updates and address questions and
concerns. We understand the detection of MSX and the closures
affecting the shellfish industry could have serious impacts on
harvesters, other industry members, and Indigenous communities, and
greatly appreciate their support, patience and cooperation as we
continue to respond to this disease.
Quick Facts
- MSX is not a food safety concern.
- The harvesting of oysters outside of PCZs and quarantine zones
remains the same as normal.
- Haplosporidium nelsoni causes multinuclear sphere
X (MSX) disease in cultured and wild American oysters, specifically
Crassostrea virginica.
- The CFIA's objectives are to prevent the spread of MSX through
controlling certain movements that pose a risk of spreading the
disease. These actions are part of the Government of Canada's One Health approach to prepare for,
detect, and manage animal diseases.
- The life cycle of the parasite is not known, but biosecurity
measures and monitoring for signs of disease on oyster farms or
lease sites, and other activities, can help limit the impacts of
disease-causing agents.
- Canada's National Aquatic
Animal Health Program (NAAHP), co-delivered by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (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.
Related links
- Disease caused by Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX)
- Aquatic animal domestic movements
- National Aquatic Animal Health Program
- Government of Prince Edward
Island – Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
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SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)