The disease, which was first reported in April, has devastated the incomes of some 650 households in the district, the report said.

The National Centre for Veterinarial Diagnosis said there was no known cure for the internal Perkinsus parasite.

The department and the municipal authority have asked local residents to stop farming snout otters for two years until the disease disappears.

The province said it would work closely with the municipal department of finance to give financial assistance to farmers.

Farming of snout otter clams began last year. They were due to be harvested this month.

Source: VNS