The bacterium Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis is associated with the Withering Syndrome of Black Abalones (Haliotis cracherodii). Expansion of the range of this disease to central and northern California may be related to massive transplants of Black Abalones, as well to ocean currents (perhaps El Nno) (Friedman et al. 2003). This parasite has also been found in abalone aquaculture operations other countries (Chile, China (People's Rep. of), Chinese Taipei, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Spain, and Thailand and possibly other countries