Oyster parasite in Sweden – Authorities plead

Do not move oysters in Bohuslän and do not throw away the remains of them in the sea. This is the appeal the Swedish Board of Agriculture is making to the public following the discovery of a parasite on the west coast.

The parasite, which causes the disease bonamiosis in oysters, was discovered last November, leading to restrictions in the area.

Now, during the summer, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is issuing a call to the public. Oysters in Bohuslän must not be moved or thrown into the sea, but should be disposed of as general waste.

‘We have not seen any increased mortality in oyster stocks, but that does not mean there is no risk.’ It can still spread and is harmful to our oyster stocks,” says Emma Johansson, an infectious disease control officer at the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

At the same time, the authority emphasises that the parasite is harmless to humans. It is therefore still safe to swim, fish and eat oysters as usual.

This is the first time the parasite has been detected in Sweden. Despite this, the Swedish Board of Agriculture does not plan to eradicate the infection, as it is considered too difficult to combat completely.

‘It would cost an enormous amount of money. A single control operation would not be enough, and it would need to be followed up over several years,’ says Emma Johansson.