PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
Oyster Mortality Regulations
(Public)
Purpose of the Report
Jersey must implement measures to require reporting of increased mortality in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), submission of diagnostic samples and certification for oyster consignments dispatched to certain areas of the EU and British Isles. If Ostreid herpesvirus-1 μvar (OsHV-1 μvar) is confirmed, declaration of containment area(s) must be made and movement controls imposed.
Background
I ncreased mortality in oysters of the species Crassostrea gigas was detected in several areas in France and in Ireland during the late spring and summer of 2008. It was attributed to a combination of adverse environmental factors together with the presence of bacteria of the genus Vibrio and the presence of the Ostreid
herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) including a newly described genotype of that virus named OsHV-1 μvar
In spring 2009, increased mortality attributed to the same combination of factors was again detected in France, Ireland and for the first time, in Jersey. While the causes of the mortalities still remain uncertain, the epidemiological investigations undertaken in 2009 suggest that OsHV-1 μvar plays a major role in the mortalities.
The competent authorities of France and Ireland, and of Jersey, informed the Commission of the situation and the measures taken and the matter was brought to the attention of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health several times.
The containment measures taken by the competent authorities in those Member States and Jersey to control the emerging disease situation were mainly based on the restriction of movements of Crassostrea gigas oysters out of the areas affected by increased mortalities. In view of the re-occurrence of the emerging disease situation in 2009 and its possible repetition and risk for further spread in summer 2010, and on the basis of the experience gained, the EU Commission have deemed it is appropriate and necessary to extend the measures already taken by the affected Member States and to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of controls by Regulation which accords with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
Discussion
Jersey is one of the largest producers of oysters in the British Isles. In 2009 oyster production amounted to 903 tonnes with a value of £1.57m.
Commission Regulation 175/2010 implementing controls described above, was made on 2 March 2010. Outstanding matters on it’s application to Jersey were unresolved until 29 June. Implementation of the Commission Regulation is now a matter of urgency, particularly as increasing sea temperature may influence expression of the virus.
Conclusion
To ensure Jersey’s continued reputation for integrity and ensure compliance with relevant legislation for trade with the remainder of the British Isles and EU Member States, Commission Regulation 175/2010 must be administered and enforced by means of Jersey legislation.
Members of Jersey Aquaculture Association are fully aware of the Regulation and it’s requirements and are supportive of implementation to ensure compliance with relevant legislation for trade.
Recommendation
In light of the urgent necessity to implement the legislation the Minister is recommended to lodge the draft Community Provisions (Mortality in Oysters) (Jersey) Regulations 201- and seek the States’ permission to debate the Regulations on 19 July, in accordance with the Standing Order of the States of Jersey, 26, paragraph (7)
Written by: States Veterinary Officer
Approved by: Director for Environment/Deputy Chief Officer, Planning and Environment
Attachments:
Draft Community Provisions (Mortality in Oysters) (Jersey) Regulations 201-
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2010-0077
02/07/10