Disseminated neoplasia and large foci indicating heavy haemocytic infiltration in cockles Cerastoderma edule from Galicia (NW Spain)

Abstract

A histopathological survey was performed to search for the cause of high mortality in the cockle Cerastoderma edule in northern rías of Galicia (northwestern Spain). From limited sampling, 2 severe pathological conditions with high prevalence were found: disseminated neoplasia and the occurrence of numerous, large foci of heavy haemocytic infiltration. Both conditions were detected in areas affected by high mortality and were absent (foci of haemocytic infiltration) or with lower prevalence (disseminated neoplasia) in an area with unnoticeable mortality that was chosen as a reference. Advanced cases of both pathological conditions were associated with extensive tissue destruction. Because of the severity of the lesions and their high prevalence, both pathological conditions could have contributed to the high mortality.