The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in oyster samples collected in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. 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 Newfoundland and Labrador.
To limit the spread of the disease, the CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are working together with stakeholders, provincial partners, and Indigenous communities 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 Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture continue to conduct tracing activities and testing of oysters 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 to producers.
Source : Canada.ca