MPI suspects bacteria cause of mollusc die-offThousands of dead pipi washed up on Waihi Beach in March 2017. MPI investigated the cause of death at Waihi Beach and at four other locations across New Zealand, including Horowhenua, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Northland. They can also be found in healthy molluscs, including those of New Zealand," MPI spokesman Mike Taylor said. MPI scientists were unable to determine the individual species of RLO, making it impossible to determine if the bacteria was the main cause of death. "Given the importance of shellfish species in New Zealand, MPI is further characterising the RLOs and investigating their origins and potential impacts," Taylor said.

Source: Stuff September 26, 2017 02:48 UTC