Press Release
From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
February 3, 2025
On July 11, 2024, Prince Edward Island (PEI) first detected multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) – an oyster disease caused by the Haplosporidium nelsoni parasite. Since that time, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Province of PEI have increased sampling and testing of oysters in PEI.
MSX poses no risk to human health or food safety.
On February 7, 2025, the province of PEI will be declared as an area where MSX is known or is highly likely to occur, given evidence showing that MSX is already present, or is highly likely to be present, in most PEI marine waters. This declaration does not mean that every oyster population in PEI has MSX. Instead, it signals that the movement of PEI oysters which are not yet ready for commercial sale will be regulated according to the established Domestic Movement Control Program (DMCP).
Under the DMCP, PEI oysters that have been grown to commercial size and processed for human consumption can still be exported and sold from PEI. However, oysters which are not ready for the commercial market are not permitted to be moved off PEI for growing purposes. The Province of PEI and DFO will continue to use movement controls under the established Introductions and Transfer (I&T) licensing process to allow for the safe movement of oysters within PEI.
This declaration simplifies the CFIA permitting process for PEI oyster growers, harvesters, and processors, as CFIA permits will no longer be required for movement of oysters or gear within the declared area.
The Government of Canada is taking a One Health approach to prepare for, detect, and manage animal diseases. We understand the detection of MSX and the implementation of movement controls have serious impacts on oyster growers, harvesters, and processors, other industry members, and Indigenous communities. We greatly appreciate their support, patience, and cooperation as we continue to collectively respond to this disease.
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Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca
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