Aquatic Animal Diseases
Significant to Asia–Pacific
Identification Field Guide
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Source: E Burreson
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.
Perkinsus marinus has recently been shown to be closely related to the dinoflagellates (Dinoflagellida)
Molluscs known to be susceptible to infection with Perkinsus marinus:
American oyster* (Crassostrea virginica)
mussel (Mytilus edulis)
Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
sand gaper mussel (Mya arenaria)
Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis)
* 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.
The clinical signs of infection with P. marinus are similar to those of infection with other Perkinsus spp (ie occasional pustules in soft tissue, pale digestive gland, poor condition, emaciation, shrinkage of mantle and retarded growth). It is therefore difficult to make a presumptive diagnosis based on gross signs alone.
The knowledge that P. marinus affects primarily oysters, rather than abalone as does P. olseni, provides some level of differentiation. However, given the susceptibility of other molluscs to Perkinsus spp, further laboratory examination is required.
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/pmdoy_e.htm
The currently accepted procedures for a conclusive diagnosis of infection with Perkinsus marinus are summarised at http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fmanual/A_00042.htm
These hyperlinks were correct and functioning at the time of publication.