OsHV-1 microvariants are the most significant mollusc pathogens within the ICES area because of their present and potential future impacts on globally important Pacific oyster industries. Their rapid spread throughout Europe suggests inadequacies with regard to international aquatic animal health management. At the same time, their continued absence from major production areas in North America underscores the importance of identifying flaws in the framework for managing emerging aquatic diseases, and finding ways to correct them.
Our continuing battle with these viral pathogens represents an ideal foundation for discussions concerning the international response to this and other future emerging diseases. While the immediate focus of this workshop relates to mollusc health, the results will apply to aquatic animal health management more generally.
