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Diseases of molluscs

Parasitic diseases—Infection with Perkinsus olseni

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE infection with perkinsus olseni/atlanticus

Perkinsosis in abalone. Note blisters on body tissue

Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

Signs of disease

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.

Clinical signs of disease in an infected animal

Disease agent

Several species of the genus Perkinsus are responsible for causing perkinsosis in molluscs such as oysters, mussels, clams and abalone worldwide. Perkinsus olseni is the only species known to cause this disease in the Asia–Pacific region and is responsible for perkinsosis in abalone, clams and pearl oysters.

Host range

Molluscs known to be susceptible to infection with Perkinsus olseni:
pearl oyster (Pinctada sugillata, Pinctada maxima)
blacklip abalone* (Haliotis rubra)
greenlip abalone* (Haliotis laevigata)
staircase abalone* (Haliotis scalaris)
whirling abalone* (Haliotis cyclobates)
Asian littleneck clam* (Venerupis philippinarum)
crocus clam* (Tridacna crocea)
elongated or rugose giant clam* (Tridacna maxima)
European aurora venus clam* (Venerupis aurea, V. pullastra)
giant clam* (Tridacna gigas)
groove-shelled clam* (Ruditapes decussatus, R. pullastra, R. semidecussatus)
New Zealand cockle* (Austrovenus stutchburyi, Macomona liliana, Barbatia novae-zelandiae)
sand cockle (Katelysia rhytiphora)
Sydney cockle (Anadara trapezia)

* naturally susceptible (other species have been shown to be experimentally susceptible)

Presence in Asia–Pacific

Map showing presence in Asia–Pacific

Perkinsus olseni has been officially reported from Australia and the Republic of Korea.

Epidemiology

Differential diagnosis

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.olseni 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). Because it is difficult to make a presumptive diagnosis based on gross signs alone, any presumptive diagnosis requires further laboratory examination.

Further images

Sample collection

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.

Emergency disease hotline

For your national emergency disease hotline number, see Whom to contact if you suspect a disease.

Further reading

http://www.oie.int/aac/eng/cards/en_diseasecard.htm

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/shelldis/pages/perkolab_e.htm

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/shelldis/pages/perkincc_e.htm

The currently accepted procedures for a conclusive diagnosis of infection with Perkinsus olseni/atlanticus are summarised at http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fmanual/A_00043.htm

These hyperlinks were correct and functioning at the time of publication. infection with perkinsus olseni infection with perkinsus olseni


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