Ardeth,

Byne's doesn't spread from one shell to another like an infection. It's a
chemical reaction which takes place under optimal conditions. Everything
has to be just right within the structure of the shell for it to be
affected. One specimen can be completely involved while another sitting
right next to it is unaffected. Bleach will halt the reaction but will
not undo any damage.

I'll be happy to send you a copy of Sally's article. The really great
thing about the article is that Sally explains the history of how Byne's
got its name, how and why it happens, how to prevent it, and how to deal
with affected specimens. It's the most complete treatment of the subject
I've seen.

Best regards,

Kim

Ardeth Hardin wrote:
>
> Kim, I would love to have a copy of Sally's article.  One year when we were on vacation, our freezer went out and I thought my shells had been
thrown out by ou
>
> Ardeth Hardin, 1600 Ross, Carrollton, 75006
> [log in to unmask]
>
>     ---------------------------------------------------------------
> Kim, I would love to have a copy of Sally's article.  One year when we
> were on vacation, our freezer went out and I thought my shells had
> been thrown out by our son.  I found them in the shed a year later
> sealed up in a plastic bucket.  The cyprea cervus had white specks.  I
> guessed it was Byrnes disease, fungus or whatever.  I tried everything
> short of bleach to remove the spots.  My question is does the Byrnes
> spread to all shells in the same cabinet or drawer or as in this case
> bucket.  .  If you want to keep the shell anyhow, how do you stop the
> growth.--or is it unstopable and maybe just throw those shells away.so
> as not to contaminate your other shells.  I threw the cyprea away but
> still have strombus ranius and some other shells from the Keys
> isolated from my other shells even though they don't look damaged but
> were in the same bucket.
>
> Ardeth Hardin, 1600 Ross, Carrollton, 75006
> [log in to unmask]