Infection by marine Vlbrlo bacteria is still considered to be
the major opportunistic cause of mass mortalities of pearl
oysters (Pinctada maxima} on farm lease sites in the north
west of Western Australia. Vibriosis of P. maxima was found
to occur following some form of stressful husbandry practice
as similar mortality outbreaks were never apparent in natural
populations of pearl oysters throughout this investigation.
Potentially harmful Vlbrlo species were found to be associated
with pearl oysters in the Broome region throughout the year;
therefore vibriosis could occur at any time to oysters
subjected to excessive stress.