The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in oyster samples collected in Merigomish, Nova Scotia. 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 Nova Scotia and the second confirmed case in Canada.
To limit the spread of the disease, the CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 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 Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 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 Merigomish 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.
Quick Facts
- Dermo is not a food safety concern.
- Perkinsus marinus causes Dermo in cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica).
- With Dermo, the spread is direct from oyster to oyster, making infected oysters and water contaminated with the parasite the main vectors for transmission.
- Canada's National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP), co-delivered by the 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.
- The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, under authority of the Aquaculture Management Regulations, has oversight of health management of aquaculture operations, and the veterinarians within the Aquatic Animal Health Unit carry out provincial shellfish health surveillance activities.
