More Prawns Spotted With Virus, But Safe To Eat.

Though the disease does not directly affect humans and the prawns are safe to eat, Whispovirus, known for wiping out entire farm populations in a matter of days, now poses a broader financial risk to the Queensland industry.

The virus is impacting the income streams of over 100 families, having devastated four farms valued at $25 million, over a quarter of the Queensland industry's annual value, according to the Australian Prawn Farmers Association and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The white spot syndrome virus outbreak, not to be confused with the parasitic protozoan that can infect aquarium fish, has prompted the largest ever emergency response to any aquatic animal disease in Queensland.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne reports that recent detections of the disease near the Redcliffe Peninsula and Deception Bay have led to the instalment of an expanded movement control order that replaces existing restrictions.

After seeing the impact of this disease on the prawn farming industry in the Logan River region, we are taking immediate steps to contain the risk of further spread.

A movement control order for the Moreton Bay region is being established with immediate effect,� the Minister said.

Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said the continued response, which the Minister reports has already cost the Queensland Government $8.645 million as at the end of February, is vital to [safeguard] the state's multi-million dollar aquaculture industries.�

To ensure that fishing and the local trade in fresh Moreton Bay seafood can continue, the movement control area will also encompass the western borders of the Gold Coast City Council, Brisbane City Council, and Moreton Bay Regional Council,� Dr Thompson said.

Dr Thompson advises that cooking destroys the virus and clears the crustaceans for travel outside of the containment area.

People wishing to move these products out of the area whether for their own consumption or to sell in other markets, will have to cook them first.�

The good news is that Safe Food Production Queensland recommends that prawns impacted by White Spot are safe for consumption and do not pose any food safety issues.

Safe Food's Manager of Science, Dr Andrew Wilson explains,

The consumption of affected crustaceans does not impact human health. White Spot is a virus that only affects susceptible crustaceans such as prawns, crabs and lobsters, and people are not vulnerable to the virus,� adding that cooking destroys the virus and consumers should retain confidence in Queensland's seafood market.�