The Hematodinium parasite, which causes "Bitter Crab Disease" (BCD), has had a significant impact on the Atlantic blue crab, an invasive species that has had a devastating effect on clam output in the Upper Adriatic in the past two years. This parasite affects the crustacean's flesh, which, when cooked, can develop a bitter aftertaste, reducing its palatability to consumers. Researchers from the Fish Specialist Center of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Venezie (IZSVe) conducted the investigation as part of a Ministry of Agriculture-funded effort to analyze the health of this invasive species. The statistics are alarming: 97% of the blue crabs tested in Emilia-Romagna were infected, indicating the need for additional research and measures to reduce this species' impact on the ecosystem and the fish industry.