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Infection with Marteilia refringens

What is Marteilia refringens ?

Marteilia refringens is a protozoan that infects molluscs. Martelia refringens belongs to the phylum Paramyxea.

What species of molluscs can be infected by Marteilia refringens?

Each species of molluscs may have several common names, but only one common name is listed.

Species susceptible to Marteilia refringens that exist in the natural environment in Canada include:

Species susceptible to Marteilia refringens that do not exist in the natural environment in Canada include:

Is Marteilia refringens a risk to human health?

No. The causal agent of Marteilia refringens is not a risk to human health.

What are the signs of Marteilia refringens ?

Marteilia refringens causes disease in molluscs. It is a cause of mortality in juvenile and adult molluscs.

 Affected molluscs may exhibit any of the following signs:

Is Marteilia refringens found in Canada?

No. Marteilia refringens has not been found in Canada.

How is Marteilia refringens spread?

Marteilia refringens is spread between molluscs by

People can spread Marteilia refringens by moving any of the following

How is Marteilia refringens diagnosed?

Diagnosis of an infection with Marteilia refringens requires identification of the parasite through laboratory tests. Not all infected molluscs show signs of disease.

How is Marteilia refringens treated?

There are no treatment options currently available for Marteilia refringens.

What measures can be taken to prevent the introduction and spread of Marteilia refringens?

If you frequently handle or work with molluscs, be aware of the clinical signs of Marteilia refringens.

Do not import live infected molluscs into Canada.

Do not introduce live molluscs from another country into the natural waters of Canada.

If you frequently handle or work with molluscs, be aware of where Marteilia refringens occurs in your area.

Do not use molluscs that were bought in a grocery store as bait for catching fish or other aquatic animals.

Shells that are removed from molluscs or unwanted molluscs that you harvested or bought for your consumption should be disposed of in your municipal garbage.

The CFIA recommends that you do not visit Canadian aquaculture sites, zoos or aquariums for 14 days if you have travelled to another country and

Wash and disinfect the footwear you wore to the site or when you had contact with wild molluscs. Also wash your clothing thoroughly and dry it at a high temperature.

What is done to protect Canadian aquatic animals from Marteilia refringens?

Marteilia refringens is a reportable disease in Canada. This means that anyone who owns or works with aquatic animals, who knows of or suspects Marteilia refringens in their molluscs, is required by law to notify the CFIA.

If Marteilia refringens is found in Canada, the CFIA would control its spread by implementing disease response activities. These may include

The control measures chosen would depend on the situation.

What do I do if I think molluscs that I am raising or keeping have Marteilia refringens?

If you suspect that the molluscs you are raising or keeping may have Marteilia refringens, you are required under the Health of Animals Act, to immediately notify the CFIA of your suspicion.

How do I get more information

For more information about reportable diseases, visit the Aquatic Animal Health page, contact your local CFIA Animal Health Office, or your CFIA Area office:

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