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Infection with Perkinsus marinus

What is Perkinsus marinus?

Perkinsus marinus is a protozoan that infects molluscs. Perkinsus marinus belongs to the phylum Dinoflagellata.

What species of molluscs can be infected by Perkinsus marinus?

Each species of molluscs may have several common names, but only one common name is listed.

Species susceptible to Perkinsus marinus that exist in the natural environment in Canada include:

Species susceptible to Perkinsus marinus that do not exist in the natural environment in Canada include:

Does Perkinsus marinus affect human health?

No. The causal agent of Perkinsus marinus is not a risk to human health.

What are the signs of Perkinsus marinus?

Perkinsus marinus causes disease in molluscs. It is the cause of mortality in juvenile and adult molluscs.

Affected molluscs may exhibit any of the following signs:

Is Perkinsus marinus found in Canada?

No. Perkinsus marinus has not been found in Canada.

How is Perkinsus marinus spread?

Perkinsus marinus is spread between molluscs by

People can spread Perkinsus marinus by moving any of the following

How is Perkinsus marinus diagnosed?

Diagnosis of an infection with Perkinsus marinus requires laboratory testing. Not all infected molluscs show signs of disease.

How is Perkinsus marinus treated?

There are no treatment options currently available to treat Perkinsus marinus.

What measures can be taken to prevent the introduction and spread of Perkinsus marinus?

If you frequently handle or work with molluscs, be aware of the clinical signs of Perkinsus marinus.

Do not import live infected molluscs into Canada.

Do not introduce live molluscs from another country into the natural waters of Canada.

If you frequently handle or work with molluscs, be aware of where Perkinsus marinus occurs in your area.

Do not use molluscs that were bought in a grocery store as bait for catching fish or other aquatic animals.

Shells that are removed from molluscs or unwanted molluscs that you harvested or bought for your consumption should be disposed of in your municipal garbage.

The CFIA recommends that you do not visit Canadian aquaculture sites, zoos or aquariums for 14 days if you have travelled to another country and

Wash and disinfect the footwear you wore to the site or when you had contact with wild molluscs. Also wash your clothing thoroughly and dry it at a high temperature.

What is done to protect Canadian aquatic animals from Perkinsus marinus?

Perkinsus marinus is a reportable disease in Canada. This means that anyone who owns or works with aquatic animals, who knows of or suspects Perkinsus marinus in their molluscs, is required by law to notify the CFIA.

If Perkinsus marinus is found in Canada, the CFIA would control its spread by implementing disease response activities. These may include

The control measures chosen would depend on the situation.

What do I do if I think molluscs that I am raising or keeping have Perkinsus marinus?

If you suspect that molluscs you are raising or keeping have Perkinsus marinus, you are required under the Health of Animals Act to immediately notify the CFIA of your suspicion.

How do I get more information

For more information about reportable diseases, visit the Aquatic Animal Health page, contact your local CFIA Animal Health Office, or your CFIA Area office:

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