Aquatic animal health
Aquatic animal disease can be a limiting factor for both fisheries and aquaculture production.
The most effective disease management options are:
- Prevention and preparedness – minimise the risk of entry of exotic diseases.
- Response and recovery – quickly respond to newly introduced diseases before they can establish.
Aquatic animal health program
The aim of the aquatic animal health program is to safeguard our fisheries, aquaculture, and natural resources from the impact of aquatic diseases.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) key aquatic animal health management responsibilities include:
- Developing aquatic animal health legislation, policies and guidelines.
- Planning and responding to disease emergencies.
- Managing the use of veterinary medicines in aquaculture.
- Biosecurity disease surveillance.
- Meeting South Australia’s national and international disease reporting requirements.
- Managing disease risks associated with aquatic animal movement.
- Representing PIRSA at national committees and other national forums.
- Conducting and guiding the direction of scientific research on aquatic animal health.
- Education of aquatic animal health risks.
Current notices
Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome
Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) causes rapid death and high mortality rates in farmed Pacific Oysters (up to 100% within days of being detected) and can spread quickly if introduced.
White Spot Disease
White Spot Disease (WSD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans and would would pose a serious threat to the state’s freshwater and marine crustaceans if introduced.
Abalone viral ganglioneuritis
Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) is caused by a herpes virus specific to abalone, and affects the abalone nervous system, causing weakness and eventually death.
More information
Contact
Contact Matthew Bansemer if you are interested in developing fish health management programs for your industry or aquaculture enterprise:
Matthew Bansemer – Manager, Aquatic Animal Health Unit
Phone: (08) 8429 2100
Email: matthew.bansemer@sa.gov.au