White spot disease update

Biosecurity Queensland is stepping up surveillance along the state’s coast for any signs of White Spot Disease in prawns.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said the increased surveillance was an essential part of the response to this exotic threat. “We’ve increased our efforts in Moreton Bay including the sampling of prawns for testing from southern Moreton Bay to Deception Bay in the north, and in the Logan, Brisbane and Pine Rivers,” he said.

“We are also testing samples from all other stocked prawn farms in Queensland as part of the program. “We will continue this intensive surveillance for a number of weeks to gain a baseline picture of the virus in Queensland. After almost three months of work to contain the current outbreak to the farms on the Logan River we haven’t found the virus anywhere further afield, but we need to be absolutely sure so we can focus our control efforts where they are most needed.”

This approach has been endorsed by the national Aquatic Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (AqCCEAD). Dr Thompson reminded aquaculture operators, commercial and recreational fishers and other waterway users to continue reporting any unusual signs in prawns (including bait) and other crustaceans. “Early detection provides a better chance of being able to contain and eradicate this serious disease,” he said.

Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or use the online white spot disease reporting form at www.daf.qld.gov.au Biosecurity Queensland will also be holding regular community drop in sessions for local residents and recreational fishers in the Logan River region.

Community information sessions

WSD emergency response staff will be available to answer questions at the following locations:

  • 25 February 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Gem Bait & Tackle 281 Stapylton/Jacobs Well Rd, Alberton
  • 4 March 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Carbrook Cable Ski boat ramp, 80 Ferry Rd, Carbrook
  • 11 March 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Jacob’s Well boat ramp, 2 Esplanade, Jacobs Well
  • 18 March 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Cabbage Tree Point Rd boat ramp, 354 (end of) Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Steiglitz
  • 25 March 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Larry Storey Park boat ramp. 4 Albert St, Waterford
  • 1 April 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Victoria Point boat ramp, Masters Ave, Victoria Point
  • 8 April 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Logan River Parklands boat ramp, (highway ramp). 1A Curlew Cres, Eagleby
  • 22 April 2017 – 8:00-10:00am
    Weinam Creek boat ramp Banana St / Meissner St, Redland Bay

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