Some Tridacna clams are being found to have the Perkinsus olensi pathogen. |
Giant clams known as tridacnids that were imported from Vietnam were discovered to have Perkinsus olseni, an internationally reported pathogen. A University of Florida veterinary pathologist made the discovery, which is not believed to be a threat to human health or other reef aquarium species. However, the pathogen’s presence concerns scientists and aquaculture industry representatives. Giant clams are an increasingly large proportion of the live invertebrates imported with the intention of becoming aquarium specimens. All giant clam species are currently protected in the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure internal trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.