Oyster movement controls for primary control zones

To prevent the spread of multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) and Dermo in Canada, we have established primary control zones (PCZs) in the areas where the diseases have been detected or are suspected to exist.

According to the Health of Animals Act, permits are required prior to the movement of animals and things into, out of, within or through a primary control zone.

Guidance on how to prevent the spread of disease from PCZs or declared areas to other locations within Canada is available on the biosecurity guidelines page.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) oyster movement controls for MSX

On February 7, 2025, PEI was declared an area where MSX is known or is highly likely to occur. Movement controls for MSX in PEI are regulated through the Domestic Movement Control Program (DMCP).

Latest situation

We are responding to the presence of MSX and/or Dermo in oysters collected in Canada.

Movement control map

Last updated: 2025-07-18

Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) Regulated Areas

Primary control zones

PCZ orders	Status of order declaring PCZ	Location	Disease	Date of declaration
PCZ-16	Active	Baie-des-Chaleurs, QC	MSX and Dermo	2025-07-16
PCZ-15	Active	PEI	Dermo	2025-07-16
PCZ-14	Active	Island of Newfoundland, NL	Dermo	2025-06-05
PCZ-13	Active	Eastern Shore, NS	Dermo	2025-05-29
PCZ-12	Revoked	Green Point Rd. to Pointe-Sapin, NB	MSX and Dermo	2024-12-03
PCZ-11	Revoked	Pointe-Sapin to Fagan Point, NB	MSX and Dermo	2024-11-29
PCZ-10	Active	Braeshore to Ponds, NS	Dermo	2024-11-27
PCZ-09	Active	Tidnish to Green Point Road, NB	MSX and Dermo	2024-11-22
PCZ-08	Revoked	North Rustico to Stanhope, PEI	MSX	2024-09-25
PCZ-07	Revoked	Union Corner to Wood Islands, PEI	MSX	2024-09-25
PCZ-06	Revoked	West Point to Cape Egmont, PEI	MSX	2024-08-16
PCZ-05	Revoked	Darnley Basin, PEI	MSX	2024-08-08
PCZ-04	Revoked	Gaspereaux to Cable Head West, PEI	MSX	2024-07-23
PCZ-03	Revoked	New London Bay / Stanley Bridge, PEI	MSX	2024-07-23
PCZ-02	Revoked	Montrose to Darnley Basin, PEI	MSX	2024-07-23
PCZ-01	Revoked	Bedeque Bay, PEI	MSX	2024-07-19

Permits and conditions

Movements of animals and things that are considered high risk of being infected with or contaminated by MSX and Dermo require a permit to move into, within or out of the PCZ. You must apply and receive a permit from the CFIA before the movement(s) can occur. Conditions of the movement are listed on the permit.

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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 a PCZ
moving oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead, and any parts thereof, or things* within the same 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

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.

You will need General Permit 1

Movement of any oysters or their spat, both wild and cultured, alive or dead, and any parts thereof, or things* (gear, equipment or materials) within the same 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, OUT of one PCZ and INTO a different PCZ and for movements into a PCZ. All movements must meet the conditions listed in the permit.

Download and complete: Request for a Specific Permit

Contact us

For any questions, please contact our support team.

By phone: 1-902-370-1368
By email: cfia.AtlanticAHLiaisonOfficer-OfficierdeliaisonSAAtlantique.acia@inspection.gc.ca

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