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The study discovered that seaports are major hubs for the worldwide dissemination of a unique and infectious form of cancer that targets mussels and is passed from one individual to another like a parasite.
Frequently, cancer develops due to changes in DNA that cause cells to grow uncontrollably in living beings and typically does not transfer between organisms.
Nonetheless, scientists have discovered uncommon contagious forms of cancer in certain creatures, such as facial growths in Tasmanian devils and various types of cancer in canines. Furthermore, they have also observed leukemia-like illnesses in mollusk species like mussels, clams, and cockles.
According to scientists, these contagious cancers have the ability to infect additional species and could potentially harm the environment.
Although these types of cancer typically transfer among individuals within the same species, some studies have recorded instances of these infections spreading among bivalves.
Researchers have hypothesized that human involvement could be the cause of these cancers being transferred to vulnerable populations and species.
A particular form of cancer, known as MtrBTN2, is highly transmissible among mussels, particularly in areas where they coexist in the same sea floor, ports, and during maritime transport.
It was believed that shipping activity was the main reason for the widespread presence of this cancer around the world.
After examining 76 mussel communities along the southern coasts of Brittany and Vendée, scientists have discovered a higher prevalence of the infectious cancer in port areas.
According to the scientists’ findings, ports had a higher occurrence of MtrBTN2 and a particularly high concentration was noted at a shuttle landing dock.
Experts suspect that the increased spread of the disease in seaports may be due to biofouling, which occurs when mussels attach to ship hulls.
According to researchers, ports could potentially create a suitable environment for the spread of MtrBTN2. This may be due to factors such as dense mussel populations, sheltered shorelines, or regulated temperatures.
The findings indicate that ports could act as hubs for the spread of MtrBTN2, as shipping routes create man-made entry points for propagation.
The results emphasize the importance of implementing improved policies to control biofouling and prevent the spread of disease, in order to protect coastal ecosystems.
Source: independent.co.uk
