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This article was originally published by Onda. We are sharing the full text here for reference. All rights remain with the original publisher.

The oyster industry in Atlantic Canada has faced multiple adversaries in 2024. MSX was first discovered in Prince Edward Island in July 2024, which initiated Onda’s swift development of rapid diagnostic testing to ensure early detection on farms. Now industry attention has also turned towards dermo, a disease caused by the parasite Perkinsus marinus. This disease was first detected in Nova Scotia, though it spread quickly afterwards to New Brunswick in November 2024. Both dermo disease and MSX pose an extreme risk to the Atlantic Canadian oyster industry and ecosystem, and it is therefore critical that producers have good access to accurate information and tools to inform their management strategies.

Similar to MSX, dermo poses no harm to humans when consumed, however, infected oysters experience reduced growth rates, weakened shells, and increased mortality, reducing harvest yields.  Dermo disease can wipe out entire crops, incurring severe financial losses and disrupting supply chains.  Furthermore, it can also have a significant effect on wild oysters, and therefore has far-reaching consequences for local economies and ecosystems.

Oyster farming from both coasts contribute greatly to the Canadian economy; oysters are the third most important species raised in the country.  The Atlantic coast alone is responsible for 55% of the oyster production in Canada. Restaurants, seafood markets, and processing plants that rely on healthy oyster supplies may therefore face shortages due to recent disease outbreaks in Atlantic Canada, driving up prices and reducing consumer access to this valuable seafood. The smaller provinces in Atlantic Canada, like PEI and NB, rely on these industries and disease challenges like MSX & dermo increase the economic burden on these regions.

Oysters play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as natural water filters and habitat builders. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, improving water quality by removing excess nutrients and pollutants. When dermo weakens or kills large numbers of oysters, water filtration capacity diminishes, leading to increased algal blooms and lower oxygen levels. Additionally, oyster reefs provide essential habitat for fish and other marine life, the decline of which can disrupt entire aquatic food webs.

As the disease spreads due to climate change and increased ocean temperatures, the need for improved diagnostics and management strategies has never been more urgent. Without effective early detection methods, farmers often discover infections too late, limiting their ability to take proactive measures. Early detection would allow farmers to implement management strategies, such as quarantines, improved site selection, selective breeding for resistance, and targeted treatments to mitigate the spread of the disease.

At Onda, we are committed to supporting innovative solutions that improve the health of aquaculture species. Advancing dermo diagnostics is a crucial step toward a more resilient and thriving oyster industry. Coming off the heels of the first detection of MSX and Onda’s swift response to develop a rapid diagnostic test for early detection in PEI and neighboring provinces, we recognized the urgent need for a similar solution for dermo.

We are proud to announce that we have developed a  rapid, reliable diagnostic test for dermo, allowing oyster farmers to detect infections early and take proactive measures. By advancing diagnostic technology, we aim to  improve disease management strategies, protect shellfish stocks, and strengthen the resilience of the aquaculture industry. By addressing dermo at its source, we can ensure the sustainability of oyster populations for generations to come, preserving their ecological and economic importance.

As a PEI-based company,  protecting our coastal ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on them is at the heart of what we do. If you need a  dermo test for your farm, reach out—we’re here to help!

Source: Onda. Original article available here.