Aquatic Animal Diseases
Significant to Asia–Pacific
Identification Field Guide
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Source: S Bower
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Source: S Bower
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Source: S Bower
Important: animals with disease may show one or more of the signs below, but disease may still be present in the absence of any signs. Macroscopic lesions are not always present.
Mikrocytos mackini, a member of the phylum Haplosporidia, is a parasite of connective tissue that causes lethal infection of the haemocytes of certain oysters.
Molluscs known to be susceptible to infection with M. mackini:
European flat oyster* (Ostrea edulis)
Olympia oyster* (Ostrea conchaphila)
Pacific oyster* (Crassostrea gigas)
American oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
* naturally susceptible (other species have been shown to be experimentally susceptible)
EXOTIC — has not been officially reported in the Asia–Pacific region under the NACA–FAO–OIE quarterly aquatic animal disease reporting program.
The differential diagnostic table and the list of similar diseases appearing at the bottom of each disease page refer only to the diseases covered by this field guide. Gross signs observed might well be representative of a wider range of diseases not included here. Therefore, these diagnostic aids should not be read as a guide to a definitive diagnosis, but rather as a tool to help identify the listed diseases that most closely account for the gross signs.
Outside the known distribution range, electron microscopy or molecular probes (if available) must be used to identify and distinguish the detected organism from microcell species of Bonamia.
Because of uncertainty in differentiating diseases using only gross signs, and because some aquatic animal disease agents might pose a risk to humans, you should not try to collect samples unless you have been trained. Instead, you should phone your national hotline number and report your observations. If samples have to be collected, the agency taking the call will advise you on what you need to do. Local or district fisheries/veterinary authorities could advise you on sampling.
For your national emergency disease hotline number, see Whom to contact if you suspect a disease.
http://www.oie.int/aac/eng/cards/en_diseasecard.htm
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/shelldis/pages/mikmacoy_e.htm
The currently accepted procedures for a conclusive diagnosis of infection with Mikrocytos mackini are summarised at http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fmanual/A_00041.htm
These hyperlinks were correct and functioning at the time of publication.