Oyster Mortality Regulations

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A decision made 6 July 2010 regarding: Oyster Mortality Regulations.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2010-0077
Decision Summary Title:	Oyster Mortality Regulations		Date of Decision Summary:	2 July 2010
Decision Summary Author (Job Title):	States Veterinary Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	Oyster Mortality Regulations		Date of Written Report:	2 July 2010
Written Report Author (Job Title):	States Veterinary Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Regulations to administer and enforcement EU Commission requirements to identify and control increased oyster mortality caused by Ostreid herpesvirus-1 μvar
Decision(s): The Minister agrees to lodge draft Community Provisions (Mortality In Oysters) (Jersey) Regulations 201- with request to the States Assembly to debate the Regulations on 19 July 2010, in accordance with Standing Order 26, paragraph 7.
Reason(s) for Decision: Jersey is obliged to implement EU Commission Regulation 175/2010 to comply with Article 1(2) of Protocol 3 and Articles 1 and 3 of Council Regulation 706/73. Introduction is a matter of urgency to maintain Jersey’s integrity and ensure trade with EU Member States and other British Islands.
Resource Implications: No additional resources are required.
Action required: States Veterinary Officer to lodge draft Regulations au Greffe with request the minimum lodging period be reduced to 2 weeks.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Oyster Mortality Regulations

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