Haplosporidium nelsoni causes multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) in cultured and wild American and Pacific cupped oysters. It is a reportable disease in Canada and suspected cases must be immediately reported to the CFIA.
The disease prevents oysters from thriving and can result in decreased rates of growth and increased oyster mortality.
MSX is not a food safety concern.
On this page
- Latest situation in PEI
- Movement control map for MSX
- Primary control zone
- Permits and conditions for movement controls
- Contact us
- Related links
Latest situation in PEI
We are responding to the presence of MSX in oysters collected in Prince Edward Island (PEI).
- Joint Statement – Additional Detections of MSX in Prince Edward Island
2024-07-24 - Notice to Industry – Update on detection of Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) – Prince Edward Island
2024-07-20 - Joint Statement – Detection of MSX in Bedeque Bay, Prince Edward Island
2024-07-13
Movement control map for MSX
To prevent the spread of MSX in Canada, the CFIA has established primary control zones (PCZs) in the areas where the disease has been detected or is suspected to exist.
Permits are required for the movement of animals and things through a primary control zone.
Guidance on how to prevent the spread of MSX from PCZs to other locations within Canada is available on the MSX biosecurity guidelines for PCZs page.
Last updated: 2024-10-31
Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) Regulated Areas
| PCZ orders | Date of declaration |
|---|---|
| PCZ-08 - North Rustico to Stanhope | 2024-09-25 |
| PCZ-07 - Union Corner to Wood Islands | 2024-09-25 |
| PCZ-06 - West Point to Cape Egmont | 2024-08-16 |
| PCZ-05 - Darnley Basin | 2024-08-08 |
| PCZ-01 - Bedeque Bay | 2024-07-19 |
| PCZ-02 - Montrose to Darnley Basin | 2024-07-23 |
| PCZ-03 - New London Bay / Stanley Bridge | 2024-07-23 |
| PCZ-04 - Gaspereaux to Cable Head West | 2024-07-23 |
Permits and conditions for movement controls
Movements of animals and things that are considered high risk of being infected with or contaminated by MSX require a permit to move into, within or out of the PCZ. You must apply for a permit from the CFIA before you are allowed to make the movement.
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For all permits listed, *things mean gear and equipment used in the fishing, harvest, or culture of oysters or spat, as well as materials that have been in contact with oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead and any parts thereof.
Prohibited movements
The movement of oysters or their spat both wild and cultured, alive or dead and any parts thereof out of a PCZ to a non-PCZ area (free area) for culture, relay, depuration or release into natural waterways is strictly prohibited.
What does your movement involve?
- moving oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead, and any parts thereof, or things* into or within the PCZ
- taking any gear or equipment used in the fishing, harvest or culture of oysters or their spat out of the PCZ
- moving oysters after processing for human consumption, wholesale or retail within or out of the PCZ
- taking oysters or their spat (whether wild, cultured, alive or dead or any parts thereof) out of a PCZ for processing, diagnostic and other testing or research
- moving oysters or their spat from one PCZ to another PCZ
You will need General Permit 1
Any movement of oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead, and any parts thereof, or things* into or within a PCZ requires General Permit 1. All movements must meet the conditions listed in the permit.
Download and complete: General Permit 1
You will need General Permit 3
Movement of any gear or equipment associated, or having contact with of oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead and any parts thereof out of a PCZ requires General Permit 3. All movements must meet the conditions listed in the permit.
Download and complete: General Permit 3
You will need General Permit 4
Any movement of oysters from a processing facility for the purpose of direct to human consumption, wholesale or retail, out of, or within a PCZ requires General Permit 4. All movements must meet the conditions listed in the permit.
Download and complete: General Permit 4
You will need a specific permit
A specific permit is required for oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead and any parts thereof to be moved OUT of the PCZ for processing in a different PCZ, diagnostic and other testing, or research or OUT of one PCZ and INTO a different PCZ.
Download and complete: Request for a Specific Permit
Contact us
For questions related to permits and movement control permissions in PCZs, contact the CFIA support line: 1-902-370-1368.
Related links
- Aquatic animal health: Notices to industry
- Locations infected with MSX
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) of Oysters
- National Aquatic Animal Health Program
- Government of Prince Edward Island - Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture