First description outside Europe of the emergent pathogen Vibrio europaeus in shellfish aquaculture

Vibrio europaeus is an emergent pathogen affecting the most important bivalve species reared in Spanish and French hatcheries. Using a genomic approach, we identified V. europaeus outside Europe for the first time from massive larval mortalities of scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) in Chile and from seawater near a shellfish hatchery in the US West Coast. Results show the worldwide spreading and potential impact of V. europaeus for aquaculture; these four countries are among the 10 major producers of mollusks. Pathogenicity of V. europaeus was demonstrated for the first time towards scallop, the second most important species for Chilean mariculture.

Automated summary

Vibrio europaeus, an emerging pathogen affecting bivalve species in Spanish and French hatcheries, has been identified for the first time outside Europe in Chile and the US West Coast. The worldwide spreading and potential impact of V. europaeus for aquaculture is significant, as these four countries are among the top 10 mollusk producers. Pathogenicity of V. europaeus towards scallop, an important species for Chilean mariculture, has been demonstrated for the first time.