Another Queensland prawn farm infected by disease
Another prawn farm infected by white spot disease on the Logan River — fishing and boating restrictionsPositive test results for the virus that causes white spot disease (WSD) and devastates both wild and farmed prawns, crabs and other crustaceans have been received for a sixth aquaculture farm just south of the Logan River in SE Queensland.
Prawn stock on the sixth infected property has been harvested and treatment of the ponds was impending.
There are eight farms in this area and six have now been confirmed with the virus. One farm had no stock in its ponds, and only one is now free from the virus. Surveillance is continuing, says Biosecurity Queensland.
Authorities will begin the process of draining ponds, drying out and managing sediment from the farms which have already been destocked. This is expected to take months to complete. Fishing and boating advice and restrictions apply to the area.
WILD PRAWN TESTS POSITIVE
This week a single prawn taken from the Logan River tested positive for the virus that causes white spot disease.
Although this is only the second time the virus has been found in prawns in the river adjacent to the aquaculture farms, it’s of grave concern.
Biosecurity Queensland says there have only been a small number of positive detections from more than 8000 samples of wild-caught crustaceans in local waterways.
Surveillance is continuing in the Logan River and other natural waterways.
FISHING AND BOATING ADVICE
The white spot disease advisory panel has presented its recommendations for future white spot disease management, while Biosecurity Queensland has met with commercial fishers and a recreational fishing representative to discuss white spot disease management under a range of possible future scenarios.
Effective immediately, bait prawns sourced from outside the movement control area can be used, however, fishers should not use prawns meant for human consumption as bait.
It is important that recreational fishers inspect their bait for signs of white spot disease. If you suspect white spot disease you must stop using the bait and notify Biosecurity Queensland on the number at the foot of this article.
If you need to remove empty crab pots or other fishing equipment from the Logan River, it must be cleaned thoroughly before leaving the area.
WHAT IS WHITE SPOT DISEASE?
White spot disease (WSD) is a viral infection that affects crustaceans. Australia has previously been WSD free and this is the first confirmed case we have had in an aquaculture setting.
Prawns with WSD may have a loose shell with numerous white spots (0.5-2.0 mm in diameter) on the inside surface of the shell and a pink to red discolouration.
WHITE SPOT DISEASE SIGNS
>> Unusual mortality
>> Prawns coming to the edge or water surface of the pond
>> Prawns demonstrating unusual swimming patterns
>> Reduced feeding and failure to thrive
If you suspect a disease on your property you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
More on White Spot Disease and how it can affect your fishing and boating at this White Spot Disease information page.
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