story to find out more. John Ewart (left), an
aquaculture/fisheries specialist (University of Delaware), and
ARS microbiologist Gary Richards examine freshly harvested
oysters on board the Center for the Inland Bays' work boat
before transport to the laboratory. Click the image for more
information about it. Research Reveals Functions of Harmful
Shellfish Pathogens By Jim Core March 4, 2005 Providing safer
shellfish is the goal of Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
scientists who are studying the means by which pathogenic
bacteria enter shellfish. In the United States, two pathogenic
bacteria from the genus Vibrio are of concern: V. vulnificus and
V. parahaemolyticus. These bacteria are naturally found in
shellfish and seawater, particularly when water temperatures are
warm, and can lead to serious health concerns. ARS scientists at
the Safety of Aquaculture Products Center of Excellence in
Dover, Del., are studying these bacteria with the goal of
keeping them out of shellfish. Richards, a microbiologist and