Herpes outbreak devastates Kent oysters

 

The virus, which may give oysters a pungent odour but poses no health threat to humans, is a common problem in France and Southern Ireland but this is the first time it has been found in Britain. 

John Bayes, managing director at Seasalter Shellfish, told BigHospitality's sister publication Restaurant magazine that his stocks had been devastated by the virus. 

“We were just gearing up to increase production dramatically, so this is a massive blow," he said. "We make money from other shellfish, such as clams, but we’re not sure what’s going to happen now." 

Oyster prices​

Prices are likely to remain stable for the moment as Kent oysters make up a small part of UK oyster production, but a fishing industry source said that prices would rise dramatically if the virus spreads along the UK coastline.

The movement of oysters off the Swale, Thames and north Kent coasts has been suspended to prevent the virus spreading. 

The vast majority of oysters consumed in UK restaurants are Pacific, which grow much faster than native oysters.