Information Bulletin ref: CD09.2011
Date: 08^th November 2011

The Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas, acting on behalf of Welsh Government, has issued a confirmed designation controlling the movement of shellfish to, from and within the Menai Strait. The designation has been issued following the confirmation of the notifiable disease Bonamia ostreae in European flat/ native oysters (Ostrea edulis).

There are no implications for human health.

Details of the designated area can be found at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/aahm/files/Bonamia-Ostreae-CD.pdf

Samples of native oysters (Ostrea edulis) were collected by the Fish Health Inspectorate as part of an ongoing routine screening programme for the disease. The samples were confirmed as positive for the presence of Bonamia ostreae through accredited diagnostic tests following EU prescribed standards.

Bonamia ostreae is a notifiable disease, any suspicion of its presence should be immediately reported to:

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel: 01305 206700
E-mail:fhi@cefas.co.uk

Notes to editors:

• CD09.2011, issued under the Aquatic Animal Health, England and Wales Regulations 2009 restricts the movement of any live shellfish, including their eggs and gametes, into, out of or within the designated area without the prior written consent of the Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas.
• The designated area is the Menai Strait, North Wales. The Northern boundary of the control area extends as far as a line between the co-ordinates: SH6552 8237 (53°19.27’N 04°01.22’W) to SH7495 8408 (53°20.33’N 03°52.78’W). The Southern boundary extends down to a line drawn across the co-ordinates: SH3758 6522 (53°09.56’N 04°25.84’W) to, SH3758 6000 (53°06.74’N 04°25.68’W) to, SH4346 5685 (53°05.15’N 04°20.33’W).
• Bonamia ostreae is an intracellular parasite which causes disease in a variety of oyster species including the European flat oyster (O. edulis), and the Chilean Flat Oyster/ New Zealand dredge oyster (O. chilensis), both of which are present in the affected area. Infection with B. ostreae can result in high rates of shellfish mortalities in susceptible species.
• Further information is available at www.defra.gov.uk/aahm, or from Cefas, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB. Tel: 01305 206700 or e-mail: fhi@cefas.co.uk