Oyster parasite in Sweden – authority appeals

Sweden's National Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) has issued an urgent appeal to the public: do not move oysters in the Bohuslän region, and do not discard their remnants into the sea. This directive follows the detection of a parasite that causes the disease Bonamiosis in oysters, first identified in November last year, leading to existing restrictions.

As summer approaches, the board is emphasizing the importance of proper disposal. Oysters from the affected area should be treated as residual waste rather than being returned to the marine environment. "We have not seen any increased mortality in the oyster populations, but that does not mean there is no risk. It can still spread and it is harmful to our oyster populations," explained Emma Johansson, a risk assessment officer at Jordbruksverket.

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We have not seen any increased mortality in the oyster populations, but that does not mean there is no risk. It can still spread and it is harmful to our oyster populations.

Despite the potential harm to oysters, the parasite poses no threat to human health. Swimming, fishing, and consuming oysters remain safe activities. This marks the first time the parasite has been found in Sweden. However, Jordbruksverket does not intend to attempt eradication, deeming the parasite too difficult and costly to eliminate completely. "It would cost a lot of money. One eradication effort would not be enough, and it would need to be followed up for several years," Johansson stated.

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It would cost a lot of money. One eradication effort would not be enough, and it would need to be followed up for several years.