International trade in live molluscs: perspective from the Americas

There is an active world trade in seed and edible molluscs, including such species as oysters, abalones, clams, scallops, and mussels. The supply of new and effectively-produced products, such as triploid oyster seed, is likely to increase due to greater world-wide demand for these high-value products, together with improved technology. Transfer to live molluscs is driven by need an availability, with concern over infectious disease risks often playing subordinate role or serving to support economic trade barriers. Experience shows that serious risks from infectious disease transfer exist. Technology and balanced management, however, can limit such risks. Separation of biological risks from trade control objectives is a necessary first step. A systematic method of risk analysis is urgently needed, along with predefined actions which can be adapted to the various risk levels. Critical to the effective development and implementation of this risk analysis is the participation of the shellfish industry in defining risks and actions. Organization and infrastructure to improve recognition of infectious diseases and decrease response time are necessary improvements, together with appropriately-targeted research on impacts, diagnosis, epidemiology, carrier status, and geographical distribution of diseases.