This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Confirmation of Bonamia in Loch Sunart
27/07/2006
The Fish Health Inspectorate has issued a Notice under the Fish Health Regulations 1997 controlling the movement of molluscan shellfish from Loch Sunart, following confirmation of the presence of the shellfish parasite Bonamia ostreae in native oysters.
The Community Reference Laboratory has confirmed the diagnosis by scientists from Fisheries Research Services (FRS), Aberdeen that Bonamia was present in a sample of native oysters taken from Loch Sunart in late April of this year. The infection was found in the course of routine statutory monitoring.
The area controlled for movements selected is intended to ensure maximum protection against further spread of the disease. It is not expected that the controls will interfere with current commercial activity as shellfish from this area are generally fished for human consumption and this trade will be able to continue.
Bonamia has no implications for human health but it is a serious disease of native oysters. It is not proven to have any clinical effect on other species of shellfish. Since Bonamia is listed as a notifiable disease, it is imperative that any suspicion of its presence should be immediately reported to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) at FRS, Aberdeen. Sudden unusually high mortality in native oyster stock might indicate the presence of the disease.
FRS will be investigating the extent and effect of the disease in the controlled area.
It is not known how or when the disease was introduced to Loch Sunart. If anyone has information that may help to answer these questions they can contact the Fish Health Inspectorate at FRS, Aberdeen on 01224 876544, in the strictest confidence.
Background
The Fish Health Regulations 1997 No 1881 (as amended) Regulation 14 Notice (No.1) 2006 restricts the movement of any live molluscan shellfish into or out of the designated area without prior consent of Scottish Ministers.
The designated area is the area of water comprising tidal waters (whether forming part of the sea or not) within the seaward limits of the territorial water adjacent to Great Britain, which lies between or within, as the case may be, the limits specified below - The waters of Loch Sunart east of a line drawn south south east from the northernmost tip of Maclean's Nose at NM 532 615 to Auliston Point at NM 546 582.
Bonamia is widespread in native oyster populations in parts of continental Europe. It also occurs in some oyster growing areas in England, Ireland and one in Wales. Controls have limited spread of the disease within the UK mainland from 1993 until last month when it was found in Wales. Both the Scottish and Welsh outbreaks are the first occurrence of the disease in Scotland and Wales.
Scientific advice and practical experience tell us that it is extremely difficult to eradicate the disease organism, Bonamia ostreae from an affected area. FRS is considering the feasibility of eradicating this particular outbreak