Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Researchers map genome of farmed mussel species
“This research project marks a significant advancement in aquaculture” – Tim Regan.
The data could help improve disease resistance in blue mussels.

A complete genome map of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) has been created by researchers at the Roslin Institute in collaboration with Atlantic Aqua Farms.

The blue mussel is an important commercial aquaculture species in Europe and North America. At the world’s only commercial mussel hatchery on Prince Edward Island, Canada, the findings could help farmers to select mussels with desirable traits to breed.

The data could be used for targeted breeding programmes to improve disease resistance, reducing the loss of mussels to illness and improving the health and sustainability of populations.

The findings could also allow farmers to select for qualities that will could improve productivity, such as stronger byssus threads. These are important for mussels to securely attach to ropes, allowing for a more stable yield. Mussels could also be selected for faster rates of growth and to produce more meat.

As well as potentially benefitting the aquaculture industry, the genome map could also contribute to the conservation of wild populations.

Because blue mussels are able to spread and become established in non-native regions, genomic data could help scientists to track the spread of mussel populations and potentially mitigate the impact they have on local ecosystems.

The research team plans to continue their research by looking into the genetic diversity of blue mussels in Scotland.

Tim Regan, a career track fellow at the Roslin Institute, said: “This research project marks a significant advancement in aquaculture. It showcases how genomic research can provide practical solutions for commercial aquaculture and environmental conservation.”

The study has been published in the journal G3 Genes, Genomes, Genetics.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.