Completed Project Report


Reducing Vibrio parahaemolyticus Illnesses Through Appropriate Oyster Harvest Protocols

  • Award Amount: $16,770
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2008 Competitive Grant Program
  • Project Director:
  • Email: robindowney@pcsga.org
  • Organization: Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association

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Project Overview

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a naturally occurring marine bacteria, is the cause of increasing illnessess associated with consumption of raw oysters. Washington, the largest producer of farmed oysters in the U.S., is identified as one of the largest contributors to these illnesses.

Accordingly, mandatory Vibrio control rules under the Washington State Board of Health went into effect June, 2008, requiring growers to implement new, stricter time-to-temperature controls at harvest. This posed significant logistical challenges for many growers.

Through educational materials, workshops and technical assistance, this project assisted growers in understanding the most current science regarding Vibrio, the new rules, and harvest methods they can employ to reduce Vibrio risks. Seventy nine growers participated in the workshops, and provided high ratings regarding usefulness. Educational materials on handling procedures were produced for buyers and others in the post-harvest chain of custody.

This project included collaboration among growers, tribal representatives, state and federal agencies, and Vibrio researchers.



Number of Participants: 0

Outcomes

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