Surveillance results show no further spread of white spot disease

The latest round of surveillance results for white spot disease have now been finalised with the results showing no further spread, which is welcome news for the Queensland seafood industry.

More than 60 sites across the State were tested for the virus that causes white spot disease and the findings have shown there is no indication the virus is spreading. 

In April, testing revealed nine sites in Moreton Bay near Deception Bay and Redcliffe returned positive results for the virus.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said those detections were in the same area that positive results were found in 2017.

“Given that no new detections of the virus have been found in the Moreton Bay area, it means we’ve done a great job of containing the virus and not letting it spread,” Mr Furner said.

“Furthermore, all samples collected along the east coast of Queensland, outside the white spot disease movement restriction area, have returned negative results for the virus, which is great news.

“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.”

Acting Chief Biosecurity Officer, Malcolm Letts, said it is still unclear whether white spot disease will be considered established in Moreton Bay, however for the time being nothing will change.

“All states and territories in Australia are currently undergoing proof of freedom surveillance for the virus that causes white spot disease, therefore no decision will be made until all the results have been finalised,” Mr Letts said.

“Commercial fishers and prawn farmers will need to remain vigilant if operating in the movement restriction area.”

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

ENDS