Should Canada Update Its List of Shellfish Vulnerable to Two Parasitic Diseases?

Official title: Share your thoughts: Proposed amendments to the Susceptible species of aquatic animals list - Perkinsus olseni and Perkinsus marinus

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Natural Resources
Canada is updating which shellfish species are considered vulnerable to two parasitic diseases called Perkinsus marinus and Perkinsus olseni. The changes add 4 species to the watch list, remove 16 species, and update disease profiles for 4 others. This aligns Canadian rules with international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Why This Matters

Love oysters, clams, or mussels? These changes affect which shellfish can be imported into Canada. For most people, the impact is minimal. But if you work in aquaculture, import seafood, or research marine diseases, this directly affects your business.

What Could Change

Import permit requirements will change for 24 shellfish species. Importers of the 16 removed species will face fewer restrictions. Importers of the 4 newly added species will need disease testing or permits. The changes should reduce paperwork for most seafood importers.

Key Issues

  • Should 4 new shellfish species be added to the disease vulnerability list?
  • Should 16 shellfish species be removed from the list because they're no longer considered vulnerable?
  • Are the proposed import permit changes appropriate for the affected species?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. It ran from September 19 to November 18, 2025. A What We Heard Report summarizing feedback will be published.

What Happened

The consultation has closed. CFIA will review all comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, the changes to the Susceptible Species List will be finalized. A What We Heard Report summarizing feedback will be published.

Key Documents