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Update from the Province of PEI on Oyster Surveillance Results
The Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture has been conducting spring surveillance sampling of oysters from wild oyster beds and oyster aquaculture leases. Results from this testing has lead to suspect Dermo cases being detected in Prince Edward Island. These suspect cases have not been confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The locations where Dermo has been detected through provincial surveillance include New London Bay, Boughton River, and Enmore River. Further investigative testing continues.
Dermo, like MSX, is a protozoan parasite (Perkinsus marinus) that also often results in mortality in oyster populations. Similar to MSX, there are no human health concerns. Dermo is known to transfer directly from oyster to oyster, once water temperatures increase above 20oC.
It is important to monitor oyster populations for signs of mortality and any abnormal oyster conditions (e.g., gaping shells, slow or no growth, pale digestive glands, thin/watery meats). Mortality can be reported to the MSX Info Hub at https://msxinfohub.com/mortality-reporting/.
Comparison of MSX and Dermo Info Note:
https://msxinfohub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AIN-MSX-vs-Dermo-FINAL-22JAN2025.pdf
More information will come on the follow-up testing.
Kim Gill, MSc, MBA
A/Director of Aquaculture
Aquaculture Division
Cell. 902-314-1437
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Government of Prince Edward Island
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