The MSX parasite found in Prince Edward Island has cost Five Star Shellfish, an oyster processing plant in the western part of the Canadian province, approximately CAD 100,000 since it was first detected in Bedeque Bay on July 11.

The outbreak has caused widespread concern among oyster growers, harvesters and processors, creating operational disruptions and uncertainty about workers' job security. But while the MSX parasite is lethal to oysters, experts say it is harmless to humans.

A CBC News report, published Monday (July 29), underscored the profound financial impact on the area's oyster industry. Five Star has faced significant sales losses and financial strain after temporarily halting purchasing from harvesters, according to the article. 

Gordon Jeffery, Five Star's owner and manager, told the news outlet that his company has managed to get its products to market with additional paperwork, alleviating some immediate stress. Still, the long-term effects of the MSX outbreak remain uncertain, he said.

"We're trying to come up with something, a solution to try to keep it going ... People rely on that for income to feed their families," he said.

The industry is focused on selling as many oysters as possible in the short term to mitigate losses while closely monitoring the potential future impact of the parasite.

Jeffrey encouraged people to continue to consume oysters. "It's just a parasite in the oyster — it sounds bad, but it's not. It don't hurt human consumption. It's nothing else in the oyster. Oysters are beautiful. Keep eating oysters."