White Spot Detected on Queensland Prawn Farm

AUSTRALIA - ​​​White spot disease, a highly contagious viral disease of prawns, has been detected on a prawn farm in Logan River, south of Brisbane.

On Tuesday 22 November 2016, a prawn farmer reported a minor mortality event with a small numbers of dead prawns, reduced feeding and some unusual swimming behaviour.

Samples were collected on 22 and 25 November 2016 and processed with routine priority.

Higher mortalities were reported from one pond on 28 November 2016.

Positive PCR results from Queensland’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory were reported on 30 November 2016 and confirmed by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory on 1 December 2016.

Measures to contain the disease to the affected farm have been applied. The disease response aims to eradicate the disease from the affected farm and confirm freedom in nearby farms and in wild crustaceans.

The source of the outbreak is unknown.