Trade restrictions on French oysters
Restrictions have also been placed on the movement of oysters into affected areas. The French Marine Research Institute, IFREMER, is carrying out an investigation to identify the cause of the mortality.
To date, the areas closed to trade are: Basse Normandie, Haute Normandie, North Brittany, Poitou Charente, Arcachon area and Herault.
“We would urge all producers to observe the ban in relation to imports over the coming weeks and to contact us directly prior to taking in any more oysters from France” advised Deborah Cheslett, Shellfish Health Manager at the Marine Institute in Irleand.
“Those producers who have stocked from French sources should be vigilant and report any suspicion of increased mortality to the Fish Health Unit of the Marine Institute in line with the requirements of the new Fish and Shellfish Health legislation 2006/88/EC.”
Similar mortalities in Pacific oysters occurred in France in 2008. While the pattern of mortality appears to be similar to that observed last year, the level of losses in oysters under one year old seems to be lower. The areas affected span from the Mediterranean coast to the South of Brittany in both wild and hatchery produced seed.
The French authorities issued an internal note to all relevant local authorities on May 29th asking them to define the affected areas.
