One Health Priority Focus Areas:
- Extreme Conditions and Climate Change, International, Marine Animal Health, Tribal, Water Quality and Related Illnesses
Vibrio spp. are bacteria that occur naturally in our coastal waters, but certain species and strains are highly harmful to human health. While rare, infection from water or food-borne exposure to Vibrio vulnificus is the most serious, often requiring hospitalization, and carries a high case fatality rate.
Because of the human health consequences and association with the consumption of raw seafood, state managers are responsible for regulating the shellfish industry to reduce consumer risk. Knowing where and when to expect elevated Vibrio concentrations and environmental conditions promoting rapid Vibrio growth can inform management practices and individual grower harvest decision-making.