Oyster Research
Shellfish Health Project
The Shellfish Health Project mission is to develop and perform laboratory assays for detection of aquatic animal pathogens, diseases, and toxic agents in finfish and shellfish tissues and environmental samples, in order to promote and monitor the health of aquatic animal populations. Two subprojects with complementary objectives and distinct specialized tools currently comprise the Shellfish Health Project.
The Diagnostics and Histology Laboratory subproject conducts microbiological and histopathological assays to provide regular and timely information on the disease status of Maryland Chesapeake Bay oyster and clam populations, of feral and hatchery juvenile oyster and clam production lots and of exotic oysters and clams proposed for introductions to Maryland waters. This subproject also produces stained histological slides from tissue samples submitted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and NOAA (federal) intramural investigators conducting studies on crab, shrimp, clam, oyster, finfish, sea turtle and marine mammal health questions, as well as for extramural investigators from the department and academic institutions, whose efforts support Maryland Department of Natural Resources information needs.
The Biomolecular Reasearch subproject adapts existing biomedical tools to basic research on the taxonomy, genetics, biology and physiology of protozoa, bacteria and virus pathogens of oysters and clams, and their infections in bivalve hosts. Novel immunoassays and DNA-based assays are developed to expand and enhance available tools for sensitive and specific detection, identification and enumeration of oyster and clam pathogens in both host tissues and environmental waters. In vitro methods for protozoan pathogen propagation and experimental manipulation are developed to facilitate development of diagnostic antibody reagents and DNA probes and to facilitate research on pathogen taxonomy, genetics, gene expression, physiology and biochemistry.
Fish and Wildlife Health Program
A Fish Health Program was established at the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory in the late 1980's to address fish health concerns in Maryland. The Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network was established in the fall of 1990. In response to the increasing incidence of wildlife disease outbreaks, a wildlife component was added to the existing program in 1999, creating the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Fish and Wildlife Health Program. This porgram consists of a wildlife veterinarian, several highly trained fish and wildlife biologists and enthusiastic volunteers. The current program consists of four elements:
- Response to morbidity and mortality events
- Monitoring health of selected species
- Research to address management questions
- Outreach to the scientific community and public
Biologists respond to morbidity and mortality events such as fish kills, marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and wildlife die-offs. Routine monitoring and research are conducted to assess the health of a variety of species including: striped bass, menhaden, marine mammals, deer, sea turtles, black bears and American crows. Data are disseminated through outreach materials and presentations to the scientific community and the general public. Program staff cooperate with other state, federal and private agencies to investigate common research interests.
