The parasite that causes the disease bonamiosis in oysters was discovered in November last year, leading to restrictions in the area.
Now, during the summer, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is calling on the public: oysters in Bohuslän should not be moved or thrown back into the sea, but should be disposed of as residual waste.
"We have not seen any increased mortality in oyster stocks, but that does not mean there is no risk. It can still spread, and it is harmful to our oyster stocks," says Emma Johansson, infectious disease control officer at the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
The authority also emphasizes that the parasite is harmless to humans, meaning it is still safe to swim, fish, and eat oysters as usual.
This is the first time the parasite has been discovered in Sweden. Despite this, the Swedish Board of Agriculture does not plan to eradicate the infection, as eradication is considered too difficult.
"It would cost a lot of money. A single control effort would not be enough, and it would need to be followed up for several years," says Emma Johansson.
