New case study: pathogen diagnostics for shellfish (full R&D)
Demonstrated the ability of a new non-invasive diagnostic process
Disease is a threat to oyster farming and restoration. Current UK measures to stop the spread of oyster diseases in the UK rely on the prevention of animal movement from disease-positive to disease-free sites. This is not foolproof and can lead to the spread of pathogens. Existing diagnostic options are costly, slow, destructive, and only test small samples, making proactive testing impractical for most farmers.
This project aimed to further the development of a portable, affordable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows oyster farmers to test large batches on-site before moving stock. Valued at £189,968, the project was led by the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, and funded by the Seafood Innovation Fund (Full R&D SIF), with support from SAIC. It is a follow-on project from an earlier, SIF-funded feasibility study.
The system uses three simple steps: incubating oysters in holding tanks, collecting water or sediment samples, and running rapid DNA tests with a handheld qPCR device. This approach enables batch testing of hundreds of oysters, making proactive disease control practical and affordable.
The study focused on two major pathogens: Bonamia ostreae, a parasite affecting native oysters, and OsHV-1, impacting Pacific oysters. Trials showed that Bonamia can be reliably detected from sediment after just 24 hours of incubation, even when only one oyster in ten is infected. OsHV-1 was detected in both water and sediment samples. The portable system proved as sensitive as laboratory-based methods and far more effective than traditional histopathology, which often misses low-level infections.
Additional tests demonstrated the system’s potential to detect other threats, including Vibrio bacteria and invasive species, though further work is needed in these areas. Field trials at multiple UK sites confirmed the method’s practicality, though feedback highlighted the need for simpler protocols for non-specialist users.
Key benefits:
- Detects infection rates as low as 2% in large batches.
- Faster, cheaper, and more sensitive than current gold-standard methods.
- Non-destructive and suitable for on-site use by farmers and restoration teams.
This innovation represents a major step toward proactive disease management in shellfish aquaculture. By enabling early detection, it can help prevent pathogen spread, protect oyster populations, and support sustainable farming. Next steps include refining the system for ease of use and expanding its capabilities through further research.
The full title of this project is ‘Full R&D: pre-emptive and non-invasive pathogen diagnostics to prevent the spread of shellfish disease’.
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