Help Reduce the Translocation Risk
Frequently Asked Questions on White Spot Syndrome Virus
- What is White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)?
- Has this virus previously been found in Australia?
- What about using imported prawns as fishing bait?
- Does the virus infect animals other than prawns?
- Is it safe to eat product infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus?
- How can the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) guarantee to protect other industries from imported diseases?
What is White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)?
White Spot Syndrome Virus is a virus found in wild and farmed crustaceans, including prawns, around the world, and does not always lead to disease. The virus is easily killed by cooking and is not harmful to humans.
Has this virus previously been found in Australia?
Only once, in a batch of prawns imported for human consumption.
What about using imported prawns as fishing bait?
Australia banned the importation of prawns for use as fishing bait in 1996. The draft Import Risk Analysis recommends continuing this ban and only permitting imports of whole prawns larger than 15 grams for any purpose, to discourage their use as bait
Does the virus infect animals other than prawns?
White Spot Syndrome Virus infects only crustaceans such as prawns, crayfish or yabbies. It does not infect molluscs or finfish.
Is it safe to eat product infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus?
Yes. White Spot Syndrome Virus is not harmful to humans.
How can the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) guarantee to protect other industries from imported diseases?
Australia has one of lowest levels of animal and plant pest and disease incursions in the world. Every commodity-type that is imported into Australia is assessed for the level of its pest or disease risk, and controls are put in place accordingly.
While there can never be "zero risk" of pest or disease incursions, Australia's record in protecting its industries from threats of this kind is second to none.
More details on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) can be found here.
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