Microbe Undermines Prized Oyster Supply

by Michael Milstein
(The Oregonian)

PORTLAND -- An invisible microbe that thrives in warm ocean water has undermined the Northwest's prized oyster supply, killing billions of young larvae that mature into the succulent shellfish known across the world.

The bacterium, Vibrio tubiashii, is related to another species that can sicken people who eat raw shellfish. This one doesn't bother people. It kills shellfish in their larval stage, before they latch onto rocks to grow.


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