OTTAWA,
ON, July 13, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of multinuclear
sphere X (MSX) caused by Haplosporidium nelsoni in wild
oyster samples collected in Bedeque Bay, Prince Edward Island (PEI). While MSX prevents
oysters from thriving, such as decreased rates of growth and
increased oyster mortality, this disease poses no risk to human
health, nor does it pose a risk to food safety.
To limit the spread of the disease, the CFIA, Fisheries and
Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province of PEI are working together
with stakeholders and provincial/territorial partners to monitor
the situation and take action as necessary.
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 measures, the
CFIA, DFO and the Province continue to conduct tracing activities
and testing of oysters to gain insight into the presence of MSX in
the area. This testing is not conducted for food safety
purposes.
Now that MSX has been detected, together the Government of
Canada and Province of PEI are
continuing the investigation and taking further response measures.
At this time, these include:
- applying movement controls in the Bedeque Bay area;
- further investigating the potential source of the
detection;
- engaging scientists, producers and fish harvesters to continue
to monitor mollusc health, including advising when significant
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 is not a food safety concern.
- Haplosporidium nelsoni causes multinuclear sphere
X (MSX) disease in cultured and wild American oysters, specifically
Crassostrea virginica.
- Ongoing federal and provincial control and detection measures
for MSX span the continuum from monitoring/surveillance and risk
assessment, to laboratory capacity, updated guidance and
communications, and science coordination.
- In Canada, our animal disease
surveillance network is supported by industry, the provinces and
the federal government through a series of laboratories. There are
measures in place for sampling and testing when there is any
suspicion of animal disease.
- 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
- Haplosporidium nelson (MSX)
- 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)