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Vibrio pectenicida Linked to Sea Star Wasting Disease

8/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of Sea Star Wasting Disease, impacting over 20 starfish species.
The sunflower star has experienced a 90% population decline since 2013 due to this disease.
Symptoms include limb detachment and tissue decay.
This finding, published in *Nature Ecology and Evolution*, may aid in restoring Pacific Coast marine ecosystems.

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Story summary

Researchers identified Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of Sea Star Wasting Disease, impacting over 20 starfish species.
The sunflower star has experienced a 90% population decline since 2013 due to this disease.
Symptoms include limb detachment and tissue decay.
This finding, published in *Nature Ecology and Evolution*, may aid in restoring Pacific Coast marine ecosystems.