Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) – How can we protect the South Australian Oyster Industry?

[bjorn2fish 4,612]

This article was passed onto me by Gary at RecFish SA, worth a read.Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) – How can we protect the South Australian Oyster Industry?Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) is a virus also known as OsHV-1. POMS can occur when a range of environmental factors “stress” the oyster, factors such as, a sudden change in water temperature or water quality. Even though a large amount of research has and is continuing to be done into the virus, at this stage there is no definitive cause and no cure. The effects of the virus are devastating with up to 100% of Pacific oyster stock diagnosed with the virus, dying. The impact has been most significant in young oysters, however increased mortality has also been observed in older oysters. Healthy oysters (spat and adults) have also been found to harbour the virus.POMS has previously been detected in France since 1991 and since then in USA, Japan, Korea, China, Britain, Ireland and most recently New Zealand.Unfortunately in late November 2010 it was detected in the Georges River in New South Wales and then earlier this year in the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales.The virus poses no risk to human health but devastates any farming region where it is found. It is not clear how the virus has spread around the world but as well as being transferred from one live oyster to another it has been shown to be transferred via water containing the virus. It is also possible for the virus to live in dead oysters, and on equipment and boats with or without bio fouling that have come into contact with the virus. As you could imagine this is of major concern to the South Australian Oyster Industry, an industry that generates directly over $35 million dollars per annum and is the largest employer in the aquaculture industry.At this stage South Australia is POMS free and the South Australian Oyster industry along with PIRSA has taken a number of steps to try and protect the local industry, these include:• The implementation of an easy to use, online stock movement register, to enable immediate stock tracking in case of a suspected outbreak.• The development of a comprehensive emergency response plan for both government and industry• The development of an industry code of practice around movements of stock and equipment.• The planned implementation of a POMS surveillance program in all oyster growing bays commencing before the end of this year.There are also a number of actions the general public can take to limit the likelihood of the virus entering South Australia, these include: • Not using any oysters or oyster shells (live or dead, local or interstate or imported) as bait or burley.• Not disposing of any oysters or oyster shells in the ocean.• Thoroughly cleaning all boats and equipment after use and especially if they are being moved from one waterway to another.These are very simple measures, but are critical to ensuring the oyster industry in South Australia survives and is able to continue to provide all of us with the best tasting oysters in the world!!!!If you have any questions or comments please contact Trudy McGowan, Executive Officer, South Australian Oyster Industry. Mobile 0407883333, Email saoga.saorc@bigpond.com

[ScaleyTom 19]

Geez i didnt know this existed. What a tragedy if we lost our oyster industry. I will say im guilty of using oyster shells as burley, being ignorant to the fact of the disease. No more now though.

[Del 245]

would be a serious issue if it hit the EP!

[archerfish 685]

I noticed this in The Weekend Australian on July 13th:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/low-tide-for-oyster-farmers/story-e6frg6nf-1226678608858Fairly scary sh*t. The FRDC website (amongst others) has some useful info. on the topic, including:http://frdc.com.au/research/final-reports/Pages/2011-053-DLD.aspxCheersaf

[Tacklebags 404]

 but as well as being transferred from one live oyster to another it has been shown to be transferred via water containing the virus

Ballast release from international shipping? The same ships allowed to traverse sanctuary zones?