December 1, 2014 — For the second year in a row, Massachusetts will revise guidelines for handling and transporting oysters in an effort to reduce the incidence of illness from Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterial pathogen that can cause illness in humans.
The state Vibrio control plan, begun in 2011, was expanded in 2012 in response to Vp cases outside of eastern Cape Cod. In response to increased cases in 2013, it was revised for this year’s harvest, which ended in October. The state hopes to submit a final plan for 2015 to the Food and Drug Administration this winter.
A public comment period preceding the revision is now open. Another comment period will open following the first draft, which is expected in December.
Last week officials from the Department of Public Health and the Division of Marine Fisheries met with about a dozen people at the Vineyard Haven Library to gather feedback for the revised plan. Several oyster farmers and wholesalers, along with members of local boards of health, attended.
DMF biologist Chris Schillaci, who facilitated the meeting, said the revised plan would likely be more restrictive, although some parts may stay the same. Topics identified for review include procedures for cooling and transporting oysters, proper training and improved enforcement. The plan must also meet certain minimum requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Katama Bay was closed to oyster harvesting for one week this September following four confirmed cases of Vp that were traced to the bay. Last year the bay was closed for about three and a half weeks after being linked to cases of Vp.