[1] The disease is caused by the bacterium "Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis", which attacks the digestive tract and glands.
It causes general lethargy and for the characteristic "foot" to atrophy.
[2] This impairs the abalone's ability to adhere to rocks, making it far more vulnerable to predation.
[1] The bacteria are believed to be transmitted along the fecal–oral route and through the water column.
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