Row wavy Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

News

green wave

Government of Canada announces funding to advance scientific research on MSX disease in oysters

News release

March 7, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario – Recent detections of MSX disease, or multinucleate sphere unknown X (MSX), in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) and New Brunswick, have posed significant challenges for the oyster industry across Atlantic Canada. While much is known about MSX, which affects oyster health and growth, significant knowledge gaps remain. While MSX is not a food safety concern, it poses a serious threat to Canada’s oyster industry.

Today the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the recipients of more than $850 thousand in funding to support further scientific research activities on MSX. Funding will be provided to six recipients to support a range of research areas such as rapid detection and disease resistance.

 

READ FULL RELEASE >

Recent News

GenomeAtlantic Impacts At a Glance: The Oyster MSX Issue

This article was originally published by GenomeAtlantic in July, 2025. We are sharing the full text here for reference. All…

CFIA confirms Prince Edward Island’s 1st case of dermo, in oysters from Egmont Bay

This article was written by Carolyn Ryan and originally published by CBC News on July 04, 2025 at 8:10PM ADT.…

Detection of Dermo in oysters in Prince Edward Island

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the aquatic animal disease Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis)…

Detections of MSX and Dermo in oysters in Quebec

Statement The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the aquatic animal diseases multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX)…

$3.1M announced to develop MSX-resistant oyster seed

This article was originally published by Genome Atlantic on June 26, 2025. We are sharing the full text here for…

CFIA Weekly Industry Updates

In an effort to both share CFIA’s weekly updates, and provide an archive we will be posting PDF copies to…

Update from the Province of PEI on Oyster Surveillance Results

The Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture has been conducting spring surveillance sampling of oysters from wild oyster beds…

Detection of Dermo in oysters in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) in oyster samples collected…

‘Minimize the damage’: Race to study MSX heats up as deadly disease hits Maritime oysters

This article was written by Sarah Plowman and originally published by CTV News on May 26, 2025 at 6:31PM EDT.…

Can environmental DNA combat deadly parasites threatening Canada’s oysters?

This article was written by Responsible Seafood Advocate and originally published by Global Seafood Alliance on May 21, 2025. We…