Biosecurity Alert: Fishers and boaters asked to help
An outbreak of the devastating white-spot disease on a Queensland prawn farm is a first in AustraliaThe fatal white-spot disease afflicting prawn farms south of Brisbane, a first in Australia and advancing the spread of the infection south from Asia, has prompted authorities to issue a warning.
fishers in the vicinity are being asked to report unusual signs in
prawns and crabs caught in the area.
Biosecurity Queensland is continuing to destock and decontaminate ponds at two aquaculture farms south of Brisbane following confirmation of the outbreak of white spot disease (WSD) in prawns last week.
Prawn fishers of wild stocks have long advocated that imported prawns have a high risk of transmitting diseases like WSD into our previously virgin fisheries, particularly where those imported prawns are raw.
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. The map in the image library above therefore needs updating, sadly.
This week, the infection has been confirmed in a pond in an adjoining aquaculture operation. This is not unexpected given the immediate proximity and business links.
Surveillance has commenced on prawn farms in the vicinity and in nearby waterways to determine possible sources of the infection while also enabling early detection of disease should it occur on other prawn farms.
It is crucial that all aquaculture operators implement good biosecurity, observe their stock closely and report any concerns.
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 to look for include:
>> Unusual mortality
>> Prawns coming to the edge or water surface of the pond, tank or cage
>> 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.
Further information on white spot disease is available from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Although many species of crustaceans are susceptible to infection, white spot disease is mainly a disease of farmed prawns. High mortalities have been reported in many countries.
Experience has shown the production of prawn farms to fall to about 40 per cent of normal for two years and then recover to about 70 per cent over the long term.
Hopefully, the disease never decimates wild prawn stocks. More on White Spot Disease.
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