Prevalence of hemic neoplasia in cockles and co-habiting bivalve species in the western coast of France and the southern coast of Portugal.

Abstract

Hemic neoplasia is a cancer affecting several bivalve species and has become transmissible in some lineages. This study assesses its prevalence in common cockles (Cerastoderma edule) along the western coast of France and the southern coast of Portugal, regions with important bivalve fisheries. Cockles and cohabiting bivalve species (Ruditapes spp. and Scrobicularia plana) were sampled across multiple locations, and hemic neoplasia was diagnosed through cytological analysis. In the Algarve, a decline in prevalence was observed between 2017 and 2024, while in Normandy, the disease was detected for the first time. No cases of hemic neoplasia were found in the cohabiting clam species, suggesting that cockle cancer transmission may be species restricted. Morphometric analyses revealed no significant differences in size or weight between affected and non-affected cockles, indicating that external traits are not reliable indicators of infection. These findings expand knowledge on the geographic distribution of hemic neoplasia and highlight the need for continued monitoring to assess potential changes in its prevalence and impact on bivalve populations.