The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in farmed oysters from samples collected from Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, on June 5, following notification from the provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
It’s the first case of Dermo in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“It has not been detected in any other oysters/waterways in Newfoundland and Labrador since the initial detection,” said the CFIA.
While Dermo poses no risks to human health and does not affect other bivalves, including mussels, scallops or clams, it can cause increased oyster mortality and decreased growth rates in both cultured and wild American oysters. However, there are no known established wild oyster populations in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the CFIA.
Dermo can be transmitted from oyster to oyster, or from water contaminated with the invasive parasite.
“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.”
Dermo was previously confirmed in Spence Cove, New Brunswick on Nov. 18, 2024, and in oyster samples collected in Merigomish, Nova Scotia on Nov. 25, 2024.
