BIVALIFE

Controlling infectious diseases in oysters and mussels in Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The two core objectives of BIVALIFE are (i) to provide innovative knowledge related to pathogens infecting oysters and mussels and (ii) to develop practical approaches for the control of infectious diseases and resulting mortality outbreaks these pathogens induce. The project will address the major issue identified by the European commission (i.e. detection and management of infectious diseases in oysters and mussels) at the EU level since the increase in international and intra EU trade and exchanges of animals increases the risk of pathogen transfer and infectious disease outbreak occurrence. In this context, the specific objective of BIVALIFE are: (i) transfer and validate existing methods for detection and identification of oyster and mussel pathogens; (ii) improve the characterisation of oyster and mussel pathogens and develop innovative complementary diagnostic approaches; (iii) characterise culture sites in Europe regarding presence of oyster and mussel pathogens in relation to the presence or absence of mortality; (iv) investigate the life cycle, mechanisms allowing oyster and mussel pathogens to survive outside the host and their original source; (v) identify pathogen intrinsic virulence factors and effects on host defence mechanisms; (vi) assess the relationship between the presence of oyster and mussel pathogens and their role in observed mortality; (vii) develop methods and recommendations for pathogen control and eradication in Europe. The project will focus on three mollusc species, namely the Pacific cupped oyster Crassostrea gigas and two mussel species Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis, the most important species in terms of European production. Interestingly, Pacific oysters and mussels display different levels of susceptibility to diseases. The targeted pathogens will be the virus OsHV-1, Vibrio species including V. splendidus and V. aestuarianus, as well as the parasite Marteilia refringens and the bacterium Nocardia crassostreae.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European shellfish producers are now better equipped to diagnose and control disease outbreaks in their farms.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

International and intra-EU trade in cultured marine bivalves like mussels and oysters is on the rise, and this increases the risk of pathogen transfer. To ensure sustainable aquaculture in Europe, the health of farmed shellfish populations must therefore be a priority.

The EU-funded project 'Controlling infectious diseases in oysters and mussels in Europe' (http://www.bivalife.eu (BIVALIFE)) provided the industry with new insights into bivalve diseases, along with practical control strategies. It focused on the most important production species: the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and two mussel species, namely Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Researchers improved the efficiency of disease diagnosis, and they developed means to eradicate pathogens in bivalve hatcheries. They also implemented ultraviolet treatments to inactivate disease-causing agents in live feed without affecting the feed itself.

The project brought various EU research organisations, laboratories and smaller businesses focused on controlling infectious diseases together for a more integrated approach. This resulted in increased capacities and knowledge about pathogen life cycles, as well as environmental and farm risk factors.

BIVALVE thus strengthened the competitiveness of the European shellfish production sector, ensuring a steady supply of seafood to consumers.