Summary

This project delivered one of the most comprehensive biosecurity audits of prawn aquaculture farms in northern Australia. The audit identified both known and previously unknown pathogens and developed risk management strategies for the industry.

The project was twofold.  First, it conducted a biosecurity meta-analysis using traditional and molecular diagnostic tools to identify the pathogens currently present on prawn aquaculture farms (i.e. the farm pathobiome) and examined their relationship to productivity. Second, it developed a risk management strategy for the industry and provided on-farm biosecurity training to enable ongoing monitoring and management of pathogens.

Researchers visited farms from Mareeba in the Far North to Logan in the South-East of Queensland, assessing the preparedness of existing biosecurity practices and protocols.  They worked closely with stakeholders to support the improvement and development of enterprise-level biosecurity plans.

Expected outcomes

• Increased biosecurity awareness and capacity to monitor disease have helped reduce production losses to 10-20 per cent, down from previous levels of 20- to 30 per cent, resulting in an estimated increase in production valued at approximately $16 million per annum.
• Improved early detection protocols for emerging pathogens may help prevent future catastrophic industry closures – such as the exotic white-spot syndrome virus outbreak in southern Queensland, which cost the industry $25 million in lost production in 2017.