Fish health inspectors from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth, Dorset, have confirmed that Bonamia ostreae was present in native oyster samples taken from Whitstable Bay.

The area subject to movement controls has been selected to ensure maximum protection against further spread of the disease. Bonamia ostreae causes the serious disease Bonamiosis in native oyster stocks, but does not have any clinical effect on any other species of shellfish. Cefas will be monitoring the extent and effect of the disease in the controlled area.

It is not expected that the controls will interfere with current commercial activity. Bonamiosis has no implications for human health, and native oysters from this area can still be eaten.

Defra underline there is a legal duty to notify the presence of the disease, and it is imperative that any suspicion of the disease should be immediately reported to Cefas. Sudden, unusually high mortality, in native oyster stock would indicate that the disease might be present.

It is not known how or when the disease was introduced to this area. If anyone has any information that may help to answer these questions they should contact the Fish Health Inspectorate: telephone 01305 206711 / 206673 or email fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk. Such contact will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Molluscan shellfish include oysters, clams, mussels and scallops.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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