Characterizing microbial dynamics associated with Crassostrea virginica mortality

Warm season mortality, currently referred to as Sudden Unusual Mortality Syndrome (SUMS), has impacted the expansion of oyster aquaculture across the southeastern United States. This phenomenon can occur on the order of weeks and lacks an association with commonly recognized causes of farmed oyster mortality. Although prior work has identified consistent pathology associated with these events, the mechanisms contributing to pathology and the identity of potential etiological agents have remained