Bonamia in Lough Swilly Oysters

The Marine Institute has informed the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, The Marine and Natural Resources, that it has received confirmation from the European Community Reference Laboratory for Diseases of Molluscs (CRL) in La Tremblade, France, that samples of wild oysters taken from an oyster bed in Lough Swilly have tested positive for the parasite Bonamia ostreae.

This microscopic parasite presents no threat to human health.

The Institute is working with the Department to ensure that all necessary action is taken to control the disease and prevent its spread.

Information on the management of this outbreak is being forwarded to all aquaculture operators within the Lough by the Department