Oysters feed a wide array of tastes. From their slimy texture to their unique flavor, oysters are a favorite among seafood-lovers alike. However, if you find yourself shucking one anytime soon, a pearl may not be the only surprise inside that you may find.
While we thought we were the only ones who could contract an STD, Mother Nature has once again, proved us wrong. Last month, scientists confirmed that oysters, long rumored to be an aquatic aphrodisiac, are contracting herpes at a rapid rate, resulting in a large number of oyster fatalities. Hasn’t anyone told these guys to practice safe sex?
In contrast to the virus that plagues our lustful youth, although incurable, it turns deadly for our sea dwelling friends. While not contagious to humans and apparently only able to infect the Pacific strain of oysters, the disease is now running rampant, threatening the Pacific oyster industry off of the English coast.
The cause, however, isn't because the oysters are acting irresponsibly. In all actuality, the cause for their death is because of global warming. Research has demonstrated that the herpes strain infecting the oysters is only active in waters above a certain temperature, and remains dormant otherwise. As global water temperatures keep increasing, new breeding opportunities for the herpes virus will begin to multiply.
Although herpes in mollusks has been studied and known about for years, this recent strain (discovered in France in 2008) is more virulent as it attacks young oysters in their breeding stage, when their immunity is the lowest. Sounds like a parallel in today’s world, doesn't it?
All we know is that while scientists are busy getting to the bottom of this epidemic, we need to continue in our support of oyster farmers who promote a healthy and safe environment for our ocean’s treasure. Have YOU helped save the world today?
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