queensland Prawns White Spot Disease Outbreak

[demarc]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-05-05/prawn-white-spot-compensation-package/8499680

The companies that lost their import approvals should invest a significant amount towards the compensation to the prawn farmers. At least to start with the $4mill that they expect the farmers to pay back.

[Binder]

The only fault in this saga is the gutless politicians whom forced the importation of prawns, then did not fund proper governance over what was going on.

 

Which means, you and I, as taxpaxers will be footing the bill. You can bet the costs wont be coming out of politicians pay checks or super troughs.

[Gad]

16 hours ago, demarc said:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-05-05/prawn-white-spot-compensation-package/8499680

The companies that lost their import approvals should invest a significant amount towards the compensation to the prawn farmers. At least to start with the $4mill that they expect the farmers to pay back.

with Bio Qld and the concerned Federal government departments sticking with the line 'we may never know how the disease got into the waterways' this would seem all involved are covering each others butts

[Gad]

Biosecurity Qld

White Spot Disease Update

26 May 2017

Current situation

Biosecurity Queensland has completed treatment and discharge of water from the seven prawn farms along the Logan River and in Moreton Bay in South East Queensland following the outbreak of white spot in December 2016.

Due to extensive rainfall and increased water levels caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, the process was extended to allow for additional treatment of water on the farms.

With the assistance of the aquaculture farmers this work was completed in just six months.

Surveillance

Surveillance is continuing along the east coast of Queensland. To date, all samples that have been collected outside the movement control area have returned negative results for the virus that causes white spot.

[Gad]

Biosecurity Qld

White Spot Disease Update

16 June 2017

Current situation

Today, the Queensland Government approved a new biosecurity regulation aimed at strengthening the containment of white spot disease and further protecting Queensland’s multi-million dollar seafood industry.

The new regulation will provide a balance between preventing further outbreaks of the disease and allowing commercial operators to continue to do business where their activities don’t pose a risk to the spread of the disease.

The good news is that raw crabs, lobsters and bugs are no longer considered a risk for spreading white spot and can now be moved out of the restricted area. These high-value species are caught and sold for the sole purpose of being eaten and the risk of infected animals being returned to natural waterways and spreading the disease is low.

While fishers will now be able to move these exempt species out of the restricted area, anyone wishing to move them interstate must check the importation requirements of the destination state before doing so.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have identified that the movement of raw prawns, yabbies and marine worms poses the greatest risk for spreading the white spot virus and as such movement restrictions will remain in place for those species until we are confident that white spot no longer poses a risk.

Fishing restrictions have also been introduced within 100metres of inlet and outlet channels and in all drainage channels of prawn farms in the Logan River region. This will provide a level of protection  should the white spot virus be accidently introduced to that area.

Movement restrictions continue to apply to prawns, yabbies and marine worms in the designated area from Caloundra to the New South Wales border.

The exemption for low-risk species applies to spanner crabs, three spotted crabs, blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, red champagne lobsters, slipper lobsters, tropical rock lobsters, red claws and bugs.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to working with industry to contain the spread of this virus and support business operations and recreational activities in South East Queensland.

 Updated movement restrictions

To reduce the likelihood of white spot spreading, movement restrictions are in place. This means that raw prawns, yabbies and marine worms cannot be removed from the restricted area which extends from Caloundra to the New South Wales border, following a line 100metres off the eastern coasts of Bribie, Moreton and Stradbroke Islands.

Crustaceans, other than those exempt, caught in the restricted area must stay within the area, unless they are cooked first, as cooking destroys the virus that causes white spot.

The movement restrictions also apply to frozen, uncooked crustaceans as freezing does not destroy the virus.

The following items must not be removed from the restricted zone unless cooked first:

• Prawns

• Yabbies

• Marine worms

Penalties may apply to anyone who breaches these restrictions.

Bait prawns (including freshly caught yabbies and marine worms) sourced from outside the restricted area can be used, however, once brought into the restricted area, they cannot be moved back out.

To ensure the ongoing health of our marine habitat, fishers should only use Australian wild-caught prawns as bait purchased from a local bait supplier. Imported, uncooked prawns may pose a risk for the introduction of exotic diseases such as white spot.

[Binder]

I wonder if fresh water shrimp are classed as prawns.

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter 25-8-17

Biosecurity Qld

White Spot Disease Update

25 August 2017

Current situation

Biosecurity Queensland has completed treatment and discharge of water on all infected prawn farms in South East Queensland and all farms are now laying fallow for one year to further assist with the eradication of white spot in the area.

Since the detection of white spot disease in December 2016 the Queensland Government has spent more than $15 million on the response, which is expected to increase to more than $25 million over the next two years. More than 130 staff from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, interstate biosecurity partners and other departments have been involved in the response so far.

White spot movement restrictions

To reduce the likelihood of white spot spreading, movement restrictions are in place. This means that raw prawns, yabbies and marine worms cannot be removed from the restricted area which extends from Caloundra to the New South Wales border, following a line 100metres off the eastern coasts of Bribie, Moreton and Stradbroke Islands.

Crustaceans, other than those exempt, caught in the restricted area must stay within the area, unless they are cooked first, as cooking destroys the virus that causes white spot.

The movement restrictions also apply to frozen, uncooked crustaceans as freezing does not destroy the virus.

The following items must not be removed from the restricted area unless cooked first:

• Prawns

• Yabbies

• Marine worms

Penalties apply to anyone who breaches these restrictions.

Bait prawns (including freshly caught yabbies and marine worms) sourced from outside the restricted area can be used, however, once brought into the restricted area, they cannot be moved back out.

To ensure the ongoing health of our marine habitat, fishers should only use Australian wild-caught prawns as bait purchased from a local bait supplier. Imported, uncooked prawns may pose a risk for the introduction of exotic diseases such as white spot.

Exemption for crabs, lobsters and bugs

Crabs, lobsters and bugs are exempt from the movement restrictions and can be taken out of the restricted area. As these animals are caught and sold for the sole purpose of being eaten, the risk of them being returned to natural waterways and spreading the white spot virus is low.

The exemption applies to spanner crabs, three spotted crabs, blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, red champagne lobsters, slipper lobsters, tropical rock lobsters, red claws and bugs.

While fishers will now be able to move these exempt species out of the restricted area, anyone wishing to move them interstate must check the importation requirements of the destination state before doing so.

Fishing restrictions

To help prevent further outbreaks of white spot in South East Queensland, fishing is prohibited within 100metres of water intake and outlet channels and in drainage channels used by land-based prawn farms in the Gold Coast City Division 1/Coomera electorate district. This includes line fishing and the use of other fishing equipment such as crab pots, cast nets and yabby pumps.

The restrictions apply to waterways surrounding prawn farms in Alberton, Coomera, Gilberton, Helensvale, Hope Island, Jacobs Well, Norwell, Ormeau, Pimpama, Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Stapylton, Steiglitz and Woongoolba.

Importation requirements from other states

To find out requirements for importing Queensland crustaceans into other states it is important to check their relevant websites.

New South Wales
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/pests-diseases/animal-health/aquaculture/white-spot-disease

South Australia
http://pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture/aquatic_animal_health/white_spot_disease

Western Australia
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/importing-miscellaneous/biosecurity-alert-white-spot-disease-prawns?page=0%2C1#smartpaging_toc_p1_s0_h2

Northern Territory
https://nt.gov.au/marine/for-all-harbour-and-boat-users/aquatic-pests-marine-and-freshwater/white-spot-disease

Victoria
http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/biosecurity

Tasmania
http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania
 

Further information

Further information on white spot is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

[Gad]

Taken from Qld DAF email newsletter 25-8-17

White Spot Disease Update

25 August 2017

NSW lifts importation ban on low-risk crustaceans from Qld

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) have amended control orders to allow for the movement of negligible risk decapod crustaceans from the white spot restricted area into NSW.

As a result, NSW are now allowing the movement of species such as blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, lobsters, and spanner crabs into NSW from the white spot restricted area, provided certain biosecurity conditions are met.

Risk mitigation measures include the correct disposal of all crustacean waste and waste water i.e. to council approved landfill or sewer systems, and no live animals are to be returned to waterways.

NSW DPI authorised officers will be undertaking compliance activities to ensure that conditions under the new control order are met. Heavy fines will apply to anyone found in breach of the control order.

For more information about the control order or movement requirements visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

[Drop Bear]

10 hours ago, Gad said:

Risk mitigation measures include the correct disposal of all crustacean waste and waste water i.e. to council approved landfill or sewer systems, and no live animals are to be returned to waterways.

Sounds like our wormers that used to send worms to NSW and VIC will be still left high and dry.

 

[Gad]

can`t be that devastating for them, local prices have not dropped I`m told... 

kind of shoots down the supply and demand theory, bit like the trickle down theory, only works if everyone plays the game.... 

[Drop Bear]

10 minutes ago, Gad said:

bit like the trickle down theory, only works if everyone plays the game

like most political and economic theories they work best on paper

[Gad]

that`

4 minutes ago, Drop Bear said:

  they work best on paper

that`s why their called theories

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter

Biosecurity Qld

White Spot Disease Update

12 October 2017

Queensland on track in fight against white spot disease

State-wide surveillance for the virus that causes white spot disease has recently concluded with all samples collected returning negative results for the virus.

The negative results are encouraging, however Biosecurity Queensland wants to emphasise that movement restrictions will remain in place from Caloundra to the New South Wales border and west to Ipswich.

What the results indicate is that the disease may not be established in Moreton Bay and has not spread into other parts of Queensland, which is great news.

Biosecurity Queensland's goal is to eradicate white spot disease from Australia and the negative results suggest the disease control activities we have in place have been effective in containing the virus and stopping it spreading.

More than 4,120 prawn and crab samples were collected from 94 locations along the east coast of Queensland, as well as the Moreton Bay, Logan River and Brisbane River areas.

While these results are very encouraging more testing is needed, as the samples were collected during the low season for prawn breeding.

Biosecurity Queensland will recommence testing in early 2018 when the prawn population is expected to be at their maximum production cycles.

These results will contribute to the national proof of freedom surveillance required to regain international disease-free status for white spot disease.

Two years of consecutively negative test results are required in order to prove the disease is no longer in Queensland waterways.

Biosecurity Queensland understands the impact that this disease has had on the Logan River prawn farmers and Moreton Bay commercial fishers, and their cooperation in this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank the Queensland public for adhering to the movement restrictions on prawns, yabbies and marine worms as they have helped stop the spread of the disease by human assisted movement.

You can visit the white spot disease page on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website for more information about white spot disease.

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease

[Angry51]

Thanks Gad for the update.

  Cheers

  Gary

[Drop Bear]

On 10/14/2017 at 3:23 PM, Gad said:

More than 4,120 prawn and crab samples were collected from 94 locations along the east coast of Queensland, as well as the Moreton Bay, Logan River and Brisbane River areas.

Wow I hope we dodged a bullet. Now to ban raw prawn importations. 

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter

Biosecurity Qld

White Spot Disease Update

24 November 2017

Current situation

All prawn farms in the Logan River region have been decontaminated and are currently empty. They will lay fallow until 31 May 2018 as part of the strategy to eradicate the virus that causes white spot disease.

State-wide surveillance for the virus that causes white spot disease was completed in September 2017 with all samples returning negative results for the virus. Details of the results are available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease/white-spot-surveillance

These results will contribute to the national proof of freedom surveillance required to regain international disease-free status for white spot disease. Two years of consecutive negative test results are required in order to prove the disease is no longer in Queensland waterways.

The next round of surveillance for the virus that causes white spot disease will commence in early 2018.

Gamma irradiation of prawns

This project will determine the minimum effective dosage of gamma irradiation required to inactivate white spot syndrome virus in prawns. This research will help to establish an Australian standard for the gamma irradiation of prawns and will lead to efficiencies in the treatment of prawns.

It is currently expensive to treat prawns with gamma irradiation to the nationally accepted level at which they can be moved out of the white spot disease movement restriction area. This project aims to determine if a lower level of gamma irradiation can be used while maintaining certainty that no viable white spot disease virus survives, and there is no risk of spreading the disease if used as bait.

White spot movement restrictions

In the lead up to the Christmas holiday period Biosecurity Queensland have launched a new campaign reminding people to adhere to movement restrictions in order to protect our natural waterways from diseases such as white spot disease.

The campaign features local fishing personality Scott Hillier from Creek to Coast in a suite of advertising that will be shown across South East Queensland. The campaign video can be viewed below and you can download the campaign poster for you own use.

http://cdn-au.mailsnd.com/33401/72d7Ndwns8gzH_2lhNlxhe-hg1QxKoWkkcS5D0jcPNg/2117289.pdf

[Drop Bear]

On 11/25/2017 at 10:45 AM, Gad said:

Gamma irradiation of prawns

I had to look up what Gamma radiation was. I had heard about it but it's very interesting. 

 

 

On 11/25/2017 at 10:45 AM, Gad said:

They will lay fallow until 31 May 2018 as part of the strategy to eradicate the virus that causes white spot disease.

That is pretty devastating for the farmers and workers.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_irradiation

[Gad]

7 hours ago, Drop Bear said:

That is pretty devastating for the farmers and workers.

sadly yes... governments who do not listen to experts in their fields of knowledge, cost jobs and $millions and never learn from their mistakes

[Gad]

Major failure of biosecurity likely led to white spot disease outbreak

A major biosecurity failure likely led to an outbreak of white spot disease in Queensland that cost prawn farmers more than $40 million, Australia's inspector-general of biosecurity has found.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-12-12/systematic-failure-of-biosecurity-blamed-for-prawn-disease/9246796?WT.ac=statenews_qld

Who would have guessed?..............

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter

Biosecurity Qld

Thurs 25 January 2018

White spot disease surveillance

Biosecurity Queensland will conduct the next round of surveillance sampling for white spot disease between late February and June 2018. Sampling will be conducted in Moreton Bay and in key locations along the east coast of Queensland north to Cairns. More details on surveillance conducted to date are available on the white spot disease surveillance webpage.  https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease/white-spot-surveillance

White spot disease community engagement

Biosecurity Queensland community engagement staff have spoken with recreational fishers at boat ramps throughout South East Queensland over the last few months. Our two engagement officers have also visited popular fishing spots to answer questions related to white spot disease. Below is a collated list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

The top five FAQs are:

Q1: Is it safe to eat prawns with white spot disease?

A: Yes. White spot disease does not pose any human health or food safety concerns.

Q2: What is the exact area that movement restrictions apply?

A: The restricted area extends from Caloundra to the NSW border following a line 100 metres off the eastern coasts of Bribie, Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. It also extends west to encompass the western borders of Gold Coast City Council, Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Q3: What animals do the movement restrictions apply to?

A: The movement restrictions apply to decapod crustaceans, such as prawns and yabbies and polychaete worms. However, an exemption applies to high value species that are caught and sold for the sole purpose of being eaten. This includes: spanner crabs, three spotted crabs, blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, red champagne lobsters, slipper lobsters, tropical rock lobsters and bugs.

Q4: How long will the movement restrictions be in place for?

A: The movement restrictions will be in place for a minimum of two years from July 2017, providing future testing for white spot disease returns negative results. If we receive positive results in the future then this timeframe will be extended.

Q5: What is Biosecurity Queensland doing to stop the disease?

The White Spot Disease Program is focused on continued surveillance and prevention and control activities within the restricted area with the aim of eradicating white spot disease in Queensland and returning Australia to a white spot disease-free status.

All infected prawn farms in the Logan River region have been disinfected and are now laying fallow until 31 May 2018 to ensure the virus that causes the disease is no longer present.

Movement restrictions are in place to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading through human assistance. Fishing restrictions are also in place in high-risk areas around prawn farms.

[Drop Bear]

thanks for the update Gad

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter 8 March 2018

Biosecurity Qld

UPDATE

8 March 2018

White spot disease surveillance

Biosecurity Queensland has completed surveillance sampling in Moreton Bay and will now move to the Logan and Brisbane Rivers. The samples will be tested for the virus that causes white spot disease and results will be available once complete. The broader surveillance sampling along the east coast of Queensland will commence as soon as possible. More details on surveillance conducted to date is available on the white spot disease surveillance webpage.: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease/white-spot-surveillance

On Thursday 15 February 2018 representatives from Queensland's seafood industry met with the Queensland Government to continue discussions around the impacts of the white spot disease outbreak.

Key topics discussed included:

·         impact of white spot disease on demand for Queensland seafood

·         financial impacts of white spot disease on commercial operators

·         status of Australian Government import testing regime

·         update on the progress of the gamma irradiation of bait project

·         proposed surveillance schedule and release of results

·         development of a new buy local seafood campaign

·         developing an aquatic biosecurity guide.

The round table was attended by representatives from Queensland Seafood Industry Association, Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association, Queensland Seafood Marketers Association, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Biosecurity Queensland, Fisheries Queensland and a number of commercial fishers, bait suppliers and seafood wholesalers.

[Drop Bear]

I spoke to one of the people who has been heavily involved in this yesterday. Apparently virtually every raw prawn that we import from Asia today has white spot in it. Politics lets it happen. It seems ridiculous that we compromise our prawning industry and our wild prawns and very strange that the media hasn't gotten onto this.

In the mean time never use imported raw prawns for bait. 

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter

Biosecurity Qld

UPDATE

10 April  2018
Initial testing reveal positive results for white spot disease in Moreton Bay

The latest round of surveillance has been completed in the Moreton Bay area for white spot disease, with some initial tests returning positive results for the virus that causes white spot disease.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the positive results were found in crab and prawn samples from the northern Moreton Bay region near the Redcliffe Peninsula.

“This is the same area that positive results were found in 2017 and Biosecurity Queensland is processing the remaining samples collected from the Logan and Brisbane River area and will release the results once the testing has been completed,” Minister Furner said.

“We have received results back from the southern Moreton Bay area and all samples collected were negative for white spot syndrome virus.”

Acting Chief Biosecurity Officer, Malcolm Letts, said Biosecurity Queensland was now waiting on results from the Brisbane and Logan River areas.

“It’s important that we complete testing from all sites before we make any decisions about our white spot disease strategy moving forward,” Mr Letts said.

“These initial results have been discussed with key seafood industry groups and we will continue to work closely with them throughout this process."

Movement restrictions will remain unchanged with uncooked prawns, yabbies and marine worms not to be moved out of the movement restriction area, which runs from Caloundra to the New South Wales Border and west to Ipswich.

Biosecurity Queensland is also conducting surveillance for white spot disease along the east coast of Queensland with results expected in June.

“It’s really important to remember that white spot disease only affects crustaceans and has no impact on human health, so make sure you go out and support your local seafood industry by asking for Queensland seafood next time you go shopping,” Mr Furner said.

For more information visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/wsd or phone the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23. 

[Gad]

taken from Qld DAF email newsletter

Biosecurity Qld

UPDATE

10 April  2018

White spot disease surveillance FAQs

At this stage, we are not sure if the virus that causes white spot disease has established in the wild. We need to complete the testing of all samples to have a better understanding of the situation.

Movement restrictions remain unchanged across Moreton Bay which means raw prawns, yabbies and marine worms cannot be moved out of the area, unless cooked first.

Biosecurity Queensland is expected to complete the Moreton Bay surveillance in April and the Queensland east coast surveillance from Caloundra to Cairns, by June 2018. The next round of surveillance is scheduled for September 2018. This may change depending on the outcome from the current surveillance round.

[Gad]

Biosecurity Qld

When testing prawns for white spot disease, technicians use a similar technique as forensic scientists at a crime scene.

First, they pulverise the prawn and put part of it in a small tube; DNA is obtained from this sample, and undergoes a diagnostic process to make millions of copies. Any traces of the virus that causes white spot disease is then highlighted with a fluorescence marker.

Since white spot disease was detected in Queensland in 2016, more than 65 000 prawn and crab samples have been tested for the virus.

For the latest white spot disease surveillance results visit: https://goo.gl/bfefSZ

 

[Gad]

Biosecurity Queensland.

  3 September 2018

Current situation

Some prawn farms along the Logan River are preparing to return to production in spring this year. Biosecurity Queensland will work closely with them to monitor production as it progresses and to ensure appropriate biosecurity precautions are taken.

An industry-government round table meeting was held recently to discuss white spot disease management, impacts to businesses and progress of projects in place to support industry members. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, the Australian Prawn Farmers Association, Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association, Queensland Seafood Marketers Association, seafood businesses and the Queensland Government. The meeting discussed the :

·         latest white spot disease surveillance results and planning underway for the next round

·         resumption of production for some prawn farms in the Logan River area following completion of the 12 month fallow period

·         National Biosecurity Guidelines for Prawn Farming

·         impacts of the movement control zone on commercial fishers and local bait businesses.

·         ongoing demand for Queensland seafood, which does not appear to have been impacted by white spot disease.

·         second round of the 2018 Queensland seafood campaign to be run in September to coincide with the football finals.

Next round of surveillance starts

White spot disease surveillance has begun again on the Logan and Brisbane Rivers and within the Moreton Bay region with the results for this surveillance expected in October.
The results, including maps from the last round of surveillance, can be found on the DAF website; https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease/white-spot-surveillance

 If viewing the maps from a desktop computer, click on each surveillance site and more information, such as sample numbers and species, will appear in a panel on the left hand side of the screen.

If viewing the maps from a mobile phone, click on each surveillance site then click on the sample name, which will appear at the bottom of the screen, to view further surveillance information.

To continue to contain the virus in the Moreton Bay area, it is important for movement restrictions to remain in place for prawns, yabbies and marine worms from Caloundra to the New South Wales border and west to Ipswich.

 Case of mistaken identity

There are a range of reasons why prawns purchased from a store may have white spots on their shells other than white spot disease, including bacterial or fungal infection. Sometimes prawns or yabbies infected with white spot disease may even show no symptoms at all.

The most common reason you will see white spots on prawns that you have purchased however, is due to the crystallisation of salt under the shell of the prawn. This is because prawns are frozen quickly in a concentrated saltwater immersion process, during which the prawns pass through a saline brine tank. Some salt is then absorbed by the prawns as they freeze. This salt can crystallise under the shell while the prawns are frozen which causes white mottling to appear under the shell of the prawn. This mottling can be found on the body and head and becomes more noticeable as the prawns defrost.

With white spot disease, prawns are likely to have a loose shell with white spots that are 0.5 to 2 millimetres in diameter on the inside surface of the shell and a pink to red discolouration.
However, if you are unsure whether the prawns you have caught or purchased have white spot disease it is better to be safe than sorry and report it to Biosecurity Queensland.

 Reporting white spot disease

Suspected cases of white spot disease must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland immediately through the online white spot disease reporting form; https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/animal-industries/animal-health-and-diseases/a-z-list/white-spot-disease/report-white-spot-disease    or by calling 13 25 23. Take note of the location and time and if possible, freeze a sample of the suspect animals for later testing.

New import requirements for breaded, battered and crumbed prawns

New import conditions for breaded, battered and crumbed prawns are now in place and effective on or after 28 September 2018. For more information visit the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website; http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/80-2018

[Drop Bear]

10 minutes ago, Gad said:

New import requirements for breaded, battered and crumbed prawns

New import conditions for breaded, battered and crumbed prawns are now in place and effective on or after 28 September 2018. For more information visit the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website; http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/80-2018

Thanks for the update. The current requirements for green prawns are not working. 

[Gad]

Biosecurity Qld 3-10-18

All samples have tested negative for white spot syndrome virus during our latest round of testing in Moreton Bay and the Logan River.

In total we collected samples from 55 sites in August and September and all sites have returned negative results.

This is good news, particularly for prawn farmers who are returning to production, but they are not unexpected given the low prawn population in this area at this time of year.

You can view a map of the latest WSSV testing results on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website - https://tinyurl.com/y7djkbe7

Read Minister Furner’s media statement here - http://statements.qld.gov.au/…/no-white-spot-found-in-lates…

[Drop Bear]

10 hours ago, Gad said:

Biosecurity Qld 3-10-18

All samples have tested negative for white spot syndrome virus during our latest round of testing in Moreton Bay and the Logan River.

In total we collected samples from 55 sites in August and September and all sites have returned negative results.

This is good news, particularly for prawn farmers who are returning to production, but they are not unexpected given the low prawn population in this area at this time of year.

You can view a map of the latest WSSV testing results on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website - https://tinyurl.com/y7djkbe7

Read Minister Furner’s media statement here - http://statements.qld.gov.au/…/no-white-spot-found-in-lates…

That is good news. Now lets ban green prawn imports and fix it for good. 

[Gad]

Biosecurity Qld 13-11-18

Two prawn farms on the Logan River are heading back into production this month, after laying fallow for a year due to white spot disease.

We are working closely with farms as stocking recommences and they transition back into business.

To find out more about white spot disease visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/wsd

[Drop Bear]

20 hours ago, Gad said:

Biosecurity Qld 13-11-18

Two prawn farms on the Logan River are heading back into production this month, after laying fallow for a year due to white spot disease.

We are working closely with farms as stocking recommences and they transition back into business.

To find out more about white spot disease visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/wsd

Exciting times. I hope it is not short lived. I expect they will be putting a lot of money back into this. 

[Gad]

On 03/09/2018 at 1:17 PM, Drop Bear said:

Thanks for the update. The current requirements for green prawns are not working. 

This has always been a problem right across the board since governments started trimming their responsibilities and fundings and allowing some industries/groups to be responsible for monitoring their own industries. 

[Gad]

Biosecurity Queensland

update 25 Feb

Prawn farmers back in business after 2016 white spot disease outbreak!

South East Queensland prawn farmers devastated by white spot disease are celebrating their first prawn harvest since returning to production.
Our emergency response team’s quick actions in dealing with this disease across all farms in 2017 was critical for future success. The ponds then remained fallow for a year before being restocked in September.
Additional biosecurity measures are in place, such as water filtering systems, crab fencing, modified farm layouts and fishing restrictions around the farms, to help prevent disease from re-entering.

We can all help support the farms and buy their fresh and delicious produce.

[Gad]

[Drop Bear]

8 hours ago, Gad said:

We can all help support the farms and buy their fresh and delicious produce.

How do we buy local prawns? Any ideas of where their outlets are? 

[Gad]

good question Robbie  I`ve contacted local outlets, but they say they don`t know  so I guess if one contacts one of the prawn farms, they would know 

[Drop Bear]

43 minutes ago, Gad said:

good question Robbie  I`ve contacted local outlets, but they say they don`t know  so I guess if one contacts one of the prawn farms, they would know 

On it

 

[Drop Bear]

https://www.gctigerprawns.com.au/farm-gate-sales.php

Address: 148 Marks Rd, Woongoolba, Q 4207

Please call ahead to place your order:

T: 07 5546 1361
E: admin@gctigerprawns.com.au

[Gad]

Media Statement

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Prawn farmers breathe little easier after negative white spot disease tests

The latest round of surveillance tests conducted by Biosecurity Queensland show no signs of white spot disease in South East Queensland waters, more than two-and-a-half years after the virus devasted the big prawn farms on the Logan River.

It’s a big relief for the prawn farmers whose stocks were destroyed after white spot disease was first discovered two-and-a-half years ago, and who have restocked their production ponds again.

Prawn and marine worm samples were taken from a number of locations within Moreton Bay, Logan and Brisbane Rivers and all returned negative results.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said it was great news for the industry and its employment prospects.

“This is the second consecutive surveillance round conducted by my department which has returned negative results for the virus that causes white spot disease,” Mr Furner said.

“If another round of tests next year is negative Queensland and Australia would be declared free of white spot disease.

“But this means everyone must continue to remain vigilant to ensure the disease is contained and does not spread.

“I thank the industry for its resilience and patience during this hard time, and the general community, especially recreational fishers for heeding our messages and helping stop the spread of the disease.”

Australian Prawn Farmers Association President Matt West said all his members have their fingers crossed hoping the white spot outbreak is over.

“Affected businesses have gone through a lot of financial and mental stress with our Logan farms having to shut down for lengthy periods with the sole purpose of eradicating the disease,” Mr West said.

“Everyone has done an amazing job, but we’ve had a wake-up call to remain vigilant, not just for white spot but other diseases coming into the country.

“It’s imperative we boost exotic disease testing regimes at our borders to prevent any other major disease outbreaks.

“An end to the white spot disease outbreak would be very good result indeed, not only for the Logan farmers but Queensland’s prawn farming industry, which is currently enjoying a considerable, state-wide, expansionary phase.

“Established aquaculture companies and major new entrants are spending millions and millions of dollars expanding their farms or constructing some new large-scale operations.

“There’s such unlimited demand for our prawns. Seafood suppliers take everything we can produce.”

White spot disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans, prawns and crabs, but it is not harmful to human health and these seafoods are safe to eat.

Additional biosecurity measures are in place on the Logan prawn farms where white spot disease was first detected to protect the farms from disease incursions.

Line fishing is still not permitted around the prawn farm inlet and outlet channels and this measure will remain enforced at this time.

So will movement restrictions for raw prawns, yabbies and marine worms in South East Queensland.

Three of Seven Logan prawn farms restocked their ponds last summer and the biggest operator and harvested around 421 tonnes of their much sought-after prawns. Although well down on prior to the disease outbreak, production is set to double again later this year.

The battling Logan prawn farmers got another much-needed boost after the owners of Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture won the prestigious Champion Prawn and the Champion Aquaculture Product Trophy at the Sydney Royal Show, which sets the quality bench mark for all Australian seafood.

Noel Herbst pioneered prawn farming in Queensland establishing his family-run business on the Logan in 1986.

Debbie Herbst said the achievement was extra sweet.

“Especially coming in our first year back in production,” she said.

“Winning awards like that makes us feel proud of what we produce.”

Mr Furner said the global aquaculture industry was valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars and Queensland was well placed to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

“Overseas, aquaculture is rapidly overtaking the wild caught fishery in value,” Mr Furner said.

“In Queensland the industry is valued at over $120 million and rising fast, with the production of prawns making up the lion’s share of this figure.

“To boost the sector further, the Government has identified six Aquaculture Development Areas in the Townsville, Whitsunday, Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone regions.

“Identifying areas suitable for aquaculture development is an important initiative to grow the industry and will bring more jobs in a stronger regional Queensland economy.

“My Department reports there has already been a number of enquiries from prospective entrants.”

Mr Furner said the Ask for Queensland seafood campaign featuring footy legend Sam Thaiday helped to restore confidence for seafood lovers buying Queensland seafood.

“Nothing beats Queensland’s fresh, tasty and delicious seafood,” he said.

Mr Furner recently launched the #eatqld campaign asking Queenslanders to buy great-tasting Queensland produce.

“Buying local produce benefits local businesses, it creates more jobs, commercial fishers continue to support their families and Queenslanders can enjoy fresh seafood,” Mr Furner said.