According to the news report oyster death range between 15 and 75 percent of total stocks since June 22. At first reports from three bays in the south-west, south east and north-east came in where oysters were imported from France earlier this year. Now reports have now been received from a further seven bays where seed or partially grown oysters were imported from France, as well as England and Guernsey.
Experts believe that oysters that were in deeper water and growing more quickly appear to have been more severely impacted. After probing the incident four samples from three bays have tested positive for herpes virus OsHV1. Analysis is ongoing on samples received to date and more samples are expected to arrive at the Marine Institute this week. It is mandatory that all movements of oysters for on-growing either within Ireland, or for export or import must be notified to the Marine Institute and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Some oyster growing areas in France, where mortalities began in April, continue to experience oyster mortalities. The mortalities began in the south of France and spread northwards affecting the majority of French growing areas.The herpes virus, which is considered to be endemic in parts of Europe, is not controlled under fish health legislation.
