Queensland Prawn Farmers Face Losses Amid White Spot Outbreak

Queensland prawn farmers are facing significant losses due to a white spot disease outbreak that has forced them to destroy millions of dollars’ worth of stock. The farmers are attributing the outbreak to imported green prawns and are calling it a ‘wake-up call’ for Australia’s biosecurity system.

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The affected farmers, Elwyn Truloff, Simon Rossmann, and Ian Rossmann, believe that the white spot disease originated from prawns in the Logan River, possibly introduced through imported prawns used as bait or discarded into the river. They express dismay at the introduction of such an exotic disease into Australia, a country known for its stringent biosecurity measures.

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White spot disease, a viral infection affecting crustaceans, can lead to significant crop losses in farmed prawns, with potential devastating effects on farmers’ livelihoods. The outbreak in south-east Queensland marks the first confirmed case of white spot disease in an aquaculture setting in Australia, despite its prevalence in regions like Asia and the Americas.

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Amid the outbreak, concerns have been raised about the importation of fresh prawns, with the Federal Department of Agriculture confirming positive tests for white spot in imported consignments. While the department asserts a rigorous testing regime for imported prawns, the farmers remain convinced that the disease entered Australia through imported prawns.

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Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, the affected farmers, particularly Elwyn Truloff, express frustration at the lack of action to prevent the introduction of white spot disease. They emphasize the need for authorities to halt the importation of potentially infected prawns to safeguard Australia’s biosecurity.

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While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the disease, the affected farmers stress the need for compensation for their losses. They argue that the destruction of their entire stock, including seemingly healthy prawns, has imposed a significant financial burden on their businesses.

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The biosecurity measures taken, including disinfection of ponds and restrictions on crustacean harvesting in the Logan River, aim to prevent further spread of the disease. However, the affected farmers are seeking compensation for their losses and are urging authorities to reassess biosecurity protocols to prevent future outbreaks.

The white spot outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Australia’s biosecurity system and the potential risks associated with importing goods that could introduce harmful diseases to local ecosystems. As the affected farmers grapple with the aftermath of the outbreak, the incident underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures to protect Australia’s agricultural industries from such devastating impacts.

🌱 What’s Happening in Logan!!

Queensland Prawn Farmers Face Losses Amid White Spot Outbreak

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