Western Australia’s wild caught prawn fisheries are considered to be free of exotic viruses. Department of Fisheries senior pathologist Dr Brian Jones said the test showed there was no presence of the three most feared prawn viruses IHHNV (Infectious Hypodermal and Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus), WSSV (Whitespot Syndrome Virus) and GAV (Gill-Associated Virus) in the State’s northwest waters.
Dr Jones informed that GAV has not been detected anywhere else in WA. He added that there were wild caught prawn fisheries around Shark Bay, Exmouth Gulf, Onslow, Nickol Bay, Broome, and in the Kimberley (which extends from Koolan Island to Cape Londonderry).
It is no doubt that the industry is precious and even though the viruses are harmless to humans, the disease free status of WA’s prawn fisheries is vital to their ongoing success. The test is essential as WA prawns are at high risk of becoming infected with these viruses. Dr Jones said the testing, which began last year, focussed on all the prawn fisheries on the North West Shelf as far north as Broome.
