Intelligence
Since bivalve shellfish filter large volumes of water to feed, they can accumulate and concentrate bacteria and viruses from various pollution sources. Among enteric viruses, noroviruses are the leading cause of gastroenteritis in humans who consume affected shellfish. Current wastewater treatments fail to enZsure the complete removal of viral pathogens that can be discharged into fresh, marine and estuarine waters and therefore contaminate shellfish-growing waters. The detection of noroviruses in food relies on molecular techniques.
Intelligence
Commercially harvested shellfish have been reported to cause gastro-enteritis when humans consume virus-contaminated products. Rotaviruses are one of the main types of viruses able to survive and persist in the aquatic environment.
Health & Welfare
The rapid cooling of harvested quahog clams to achieve the product temperatures required by regulators and dealers can often result in mortalities due to thermal shock.
Intelligence
Off-flavors in pond and recirculating aquaculture systems have occurred through the biological production of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. The compounds are rapidly absorbed through the gills of fish, but depuration can require days or weeks.
Intelligence
Turkey has many kilometers of coastline, but shellfish culture is developing slowly in the country. Only two bivalve farms producing mussels presently operate there. Mussel spat is collected naturally on the long line systems.
Health & Welfare
The main reason for recent declines in blue mussel yields in the Netherlands was lower availability of mussel seed. Mild winters have increased the number of predators, which can decimate mussel stocks.
Intelligence
Widely distributed in shellfish and the coastal waters they inhabit, Vibrio vulnificus bacteria account for 95 percent of all seafood-related deaths in the United States.
Health & Welfare
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a widespread and serious foodborne pathogen commonly associated with shellfish-vectored outbreaks.
Health & Welfare
Triploid bivalves have sparked worldwide interest since the 1980s because of their reported enhanced growth, meat content, flavor and disease resistance.
Health & Welfare
From planting seed to monitoring the environment, shellfish farmers have to manage their crops wisely to rear healthy animals and run profitable operations.