Outbreak of killer disease in Lough Foyle oyster bed

Oyster fishermen have been ordered to stop harvesting in one particular bed in Lough Foyle in Co Londonderry after an outbreak of bonamia ostreae, a condition that has wiped out native oysters in parts of Europe and in other parts of Ireland.

This means the Foyle is now the most significant habitat for oysters across Europe, making the protection of the shellfish that remain critical and of the highest importance.

Barry Fox, director of aquaculture and shellfish with the Loughs Agency, told the Belfast Telegraph that saving the oysters was his main priority. He said the disease was a bit of a mystery.

"This is a blood parasite that can lie dormant in young oysters and attacks them when they get stressed, but there is very little known about it and no cure.

During any season, oyster harvesting is worth approximately £500,000 to the local economy.