An outbreak of infection with Perkinsus olseni has been reported in the small giant clam population.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 6 December. The outbreak was initially observed on 29 September, and confirmed on 30 November.
The affected regions include Iles Du Vent, Iles Sous Le Vent, Tuamotu-Gambier and Australes.
Morbidity and mortality are at zero on a scale of zero to five.
The source of the outbreaks has not yet been determined.
According to the OIE, clams, apparently healthy, were collected in the framework of a research project implemented in order to assess the technical capabilities for PCR detection of Perkinsus DNA at the Pearl Ecosystems Laboratory (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea - IFREMER, Vairao). The disease has probably been present in French Polynesia for several years.
