New legislation, Commission Decision (2011/187/EU) came into effect 1st May 2011 which introduces national measures to prevent the introduction of ostreid herpesvirus 1 μνar (OsHV-1 μνar) into certain areas of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The objective of the legislation is to protect areas within the Community which are free of OsHV-1uvar, and wish to remain so.
The key features of this legislation are:
- The establishment of disease free compartments
- A targeted testing regime to ensure the health status of of each compartment is known and can be protected.
- Restrictions on trade in C.gigas into surveillance areas - all movements of of C.gigas into surveillance areas must originate from areas which are also free from the disease i.e. other surveillance areas.
The implementation of Decision 2011/187/EU also necessitated the introduction of Commission Regulation (2011/350/EU) which amends Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 regarding requirements for placing Pacific oysters on the market in Member States. The attached document provides guidance on the implementation of this decision in Ireland.
An earlier regulation, Commission Regulation (EC) no 175/2010) was in effect from 15th March 2010 until 30th April 2011. During 2010 oyster herpes virus OsHv1-uvar was confirmed in pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in a number of bays in Ireland
Please note that prior to importing shellfish for ongrowing and relaying, and prior to moving shellfish within the country for the same purposes, you must notify the Marine Institute and confirm details of the site of origin and of destination.
Please contact the Fish Health Unit of the Marine Institute on 091 387200 if you require further information.