OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 13, 2024 /CNW/ - Although it poses no
risks to human health, the recent detection of MSX disease, or
multinucleate sphere unknown X (MSX), in oysters in Prince Edward Island (PEI) was devastating
news for the oyster industry in the region. MSX affects both wild
and cultured oysters, preventing them from thriving due to
decreased rates of growth and increased rates of oyster
mortality.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast
Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced up to
$1 million in funding over the next
two years to support scientific research towards addressing
knowledge gaps in our understanding of MSX. The Minister also
announced a Science Summit on MSX that will occur in Fall 2024,
which will gather experts and partners to discuss what we know
about MSX as well as priority areas for additional research.
MSX was first detected in Canada in Bras d'Or Lake, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in 2002 and has
continued to impact oyster populations in that area. The recent
detection in July 2024 of MSX in
oysters in PEI, in Bedeque Bay and several other important oyster
growing and harvesting areas, has put a renewed focus on MSX.
Participation in the upcoming Science Summit is expected to
include a range of experts, including federal and provincial
representatives, Indigenous organizations, academic researchers,
and industry. The federal government is committed to working
collaboratively with a range of partners, including the Province of
Prince Edward Island, to advance
knowledge and innovation in oyster science. We recognize the
importance of this research for both the economic stability of the
oyster industry and the ecological health of our marine
environments.
Quotes
"Prince Edward Island has long
been known for its delicious and fresh quality oysters. The recent
detection of MSX in oysters in PEI reminds us how much remains to
be learned about the disease. While there are no risks from a food
safety perspective, we need to better understand how MSX is spread
among shellfish and how it can be prevented in the future to
support a healthy seafood industry that harvesters and communities
can continue to depend on."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Our oyster industry is a vitally important part of the Island
economy and so many folks depend on it to earn their living. I'm
pleased that our government is investing in research to better
understand this disease and bringing together researchers and
experts at a Science Summit planned for later this fall. By
focusing on research and sharing knowledge and experience, we can
chart a path forward for the future of PEI's oyster industry."
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food
"The aquaculture industry employs thousands of Islanders, has a
significant economic impact, contributes to tourism, and is one of
our most popular exports. All levels of government and industry
will continue working together to ensure the protection and success
of the industry and those who work within it."
Heath MacDonald, Member of
Parliament for Malpeque
"Learning about the reality and implications of MSX will help to
deal with the current situation - and provide important direction
for the future. We have to approach this with all the best
information available, and I am hopeful that this research will
help to illuminate both answers and, most importantly,
solutions."
Robert Morrissey, Member of
Parliament for Egmont
Quick Facts
- MSX is not a food safety concern.
- Haplosporidium nelsoni (H. nelsoni) is the causative
agent of multinucleate sphere unknown X (MSX) disease in cultured
and wild American oysters.
- Potential oyster mortalities in excess of 90 per cent have been
recorded in some instances.
- 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.
Associated Links
- Multinucleate sphere X unknown (MSX)
- Joint Statement – Detection of MSX in Bedeque Bay, Prince Edward Island
- Joint Statement – Additional Detections of MSX in Prince Edward Island
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YouTube.
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada