High parasite burden increases the surfacing and mortality of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in intertidal sandy mudflats on the west coast of Korea during hot summer

Abstract

Our study suggests that high P. olseni infection weakens Manila clams' resistance against thermal stress, causing them to surface. We surmise that the summer mass mortality of Manila clams on the west coast of Korea is caused by the combined effects of high P. olseni infection levels and abnormally high water temperature stress.