Help Reduce the Translocation Risk

Disease and Translocation

One of the risks associated with the translocation of any aquatic organism is the potential introduction of disease.

The following is not a conclusive list, but gives an example of some of the diseases that currently do not occur in WA.  The implementation of translocation management strategies serve to reduce the risk of introducing such diseases.

• Whirling Disease: Is caused by the myxosporidian Myxobolus cerebralis a parasitic infection that attacks the nerves and cartilage of small trout , reducing their ability to feed and avoid predation.

• White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV):  This virus has had serious impacts on prawn-based aquaculture facilities throughout the world. For more information see this handy White Spot Syndrome Virus FAQ.

• Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN): A serious viral disease to which fish of the salmonid variety are particularly susceptible.

• Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis (EHN):  An iridovirus that represents a serious risk to both wild fisheries and fish farms.

• Perkinsus a parisite that may proliferates in the foot and mantle tissues of Abalone, reducing market value or even causing significant mortalities in aquacultured stock. For more information see this handy Perkinsus FAQ.