Scientists have pinpointed the cause of a decade-long epidemic that killed an estimated 6 billion starfish—the largest documented marine disease outbreak in natural history. A bacterial strain, *Vibrio pectenicida*, has been identified as responsible for the devastating Sea Star Wasting Disease. This breakthrough, published in *Nature Ecology & Evolution* and led by Canada’s Hakai Institute and University of British Columbia, culminates a four-year international investigation. The discovery is critical for saving affected starfish species and restoring damaged ecosystems.
The disease begins with visible lesions, then rapidly dissolves tissues and causes limb loss, killing starfish within two weeks. Sunflower stars—capable of growing 24 arms to the size of a bicycle wheel—suffered catastrophic losses exceeding 90%.
“When billions of starfish vanish, ecological dynamics fundamentally shift,” stated lead author Melanie Prentice of Hakai Institute and UBC. “Without sunflower stars, sea urchin populations explode, decimating kelp forests. This impacts all marine species and humans who depend on them. Thus, losing one starfish species cascades far beyond its own extinction.”
Researchers faced challenges isolating the pathogen, as starfish exhibit similar symptoms when stressed by other diseases or environmental factors. The team systematically ruled out viruses and other candidates before tracing the pathogen to fluid from diseased specimens.
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