Multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX)
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- About Multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX)
- MSX Science Summit – summary 2024
- MSX Science research funding recipients
- More information
About MSX
Multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) is an oyster disease that poses no risk to human health. MSX is caused by Haplosporidium nelsoni, a pathogen that prevents oysters from thriving by causing decreased growth rates and increased oyster mortality. The pathogen can impact cultured and wild American and Pacific cupped oysters. MSX was first detected in Canada in 2002 in the Bras d'Or Lakes area of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. In 2024, it was also detected in oysters at sites in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and New Brunswick.
MSX Science Summit – summary 2024
In November 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) hosted a science summit with experts and partners to discuss what we know about MSX as all as priority areas for additional research. For details, see the MSX Science Summit – summary.
MSX Science research funding recipients
| Description | Time frame | Funding amount |
|---|---|---|
The development of rapid multiplex qPCR for the detection and quantification of three parasites (MSX, SSO, Dermo) of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and MSX single-cell whole genome sequencing using long read sequencing platform Recipient: New Brunswick Research and Productivity Council (RPC) This project aims to enhance shellfish aquaculture industry disease diagnostic services by improving the methods for rapid detection of oyster parasites including:
The project also seeks to enhance our understanding of MSX virulence dynamics by using single-cell whole genome sequencing and routine surveillance in Atlantic waters to help inform hatchery production for disease-resistant oyster seed and MSX vaccine developers. |
2024 to 2026 |
$256,562 |
Charting a course forward: Evaluating oyster survival following MSX exposure to identify genetic markers of resistance Recipient: Dalhousie University This project aims to help predict and minimize potential oyster losses in Prince Edward Island (PEI) by:
|
2024 to 2026 |
$164,049 |
The Haplosporidium nelsoni genome, an important tool to advance the understanding and management of MSX disease in the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica Recipient: Université Laval This project aims to improve our understanding of H. nelsoni, the pathogen that causes MSX disease, by:
|
2024 to 2026 |
$111,172 |
Development and validation of a non-enzymatic deployable, sensitive, and rapid detection kit for Haplosporidium nelsoni Recipient: Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc., operating as Onda This project aims to improve the detection speed and monitoring of MSX by developing and validating a rapid, on-site diagnostic test for the MSX-causing pathogen, H. nelsoni. New fast-testing methods could make it possible for oyster samples to be tested on-site instead of being sent to a lab, generating results faster and at lower cost. |
2024 to 2026 |
$69,855 |
MSX Educational Mission to the United States Recipient: PEI Aquaculture Alliance |
2024 to 2025 |
$25,550 |
Quantifying Existent MSX Resistance in PEI and establishing founder populations of MSX-resistant oysters for a breeding program Recipient: Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd. This project aims to anticipate potential further impacts and assist in the recovery of the shellfish aquaculture industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI) following the 2024 MSX outbreak by:
|
2024 to 2026 |
$240,000 |
More information
Information about MSX (Haplosporidium nelsoni), including latest situation, movement controls, and permit and conditions can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
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