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Development and Management Applications of a Dual-disease (MSX and Dermo) Model for
Chesapeake Bay Oyster Populations
Oyster populations in Chesapeake Bay are heavily impacted by the pathogens
Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) and
Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX). While much is known about the pathogenicity of the organisms themselves, there is still only a fragmentary understanding of how oyster physiology and changing environmental conditions in the estuary affect the spread of the diseases. These multi-faceted interactions can severely complicate attempts to discern key factors that are of importance to the management and restoration of oyster stocks in the Bay. Stephen Jordan, Eileen Hofmann and their colleagues have approached this problem by developing a numerical model that describes how oysters respond to Dermo and MSX. The models incorporate information relating factors such as temperature, salinity and the age, size and nutritional health of oysters to disease susceptibility. The current model, for example, considers patterns of MSX infection and accurately depicts the seasonal pattern observed in the field. Successful sporulation of the pathogen in the late spring and early summer was correlated with strong oyster growth which is typically found in small juvenile oysters rather than larger adults. These results have far-reaching implications for efforts to re-seed portions of the Bay with juvenile oysters. Continuing efforts are now linking separate models for
P. marinus to
H. nelsoni. Together, the dual disease model will provide key insights that managers may use as they evaluate oyster restoration efforts.
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1998-1999
Stephen Jordan
NOAA Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Eileen Hofmann and John Klinck
Old Dominion University
Eric N. Powell and Susan Ford
Rutgers University
1996-1997
Stephen Jordan
NOAA Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Eileen Hofmann and John Klinck
Old Dominion University
Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography
Eric N. Powell
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers University
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