The European shellfish industry is a major contributor to global production of marine bivalves and has a significant social impact. Since 2008, massive mortality outbreaks in Pacific oyster spat have been reported, attributed to the oyster herpesvirus OsHV-1. More recently, increased mortality has been reported in adult Pacific oysters, associated with Vibrio aestuarianus and among blue mussels with the detection of V. splendidus. Similarly, the Brown Ring Disease caused by V. tapetis and Perkinsosis have a significant impact on the production of clams. In Spain, the parasite Marteilia cochillia has contributed to the collapse of cockle fishery since 2012. Disease management methods rely, among others, on preventive measures, which are regulated at EU level.
VIVALDI has brought new knowledge on the interactions between shellfish, environment and pathogens and has developed practical tools and approaches aimed at better preventing and controlling diseases in the main European shellfish species. These species include oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis), mussels (Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis), clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) and scallops (Pecten maximus). The project has addressed the most harmful pathogens affecting these species: the virus Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1), Vibrio species including V. aestuarianus, V. splendidus and V. tapetis, as well as micro- eukaryotes such as the parasites Perkinsus olseni, Marteilia refringens, and Bonamia ostreae.
