- Author Condon, K., Arbon,P., Huerlimann, R., Ariel, E & Jerry, D.
- Publish date 12 October 2020
- Type Report
- ISBN 978-1-922437-32-7
- Documents
- Aquaculture
Summary
This Biosecurity in Northern Australian prawn aquaculture study represents the most extensive investigation into the distribution and quantity of multiple pathogens collected from multiple stages of production to be conducted on Australian farmed prawns.
This report provides a detailed overview of the pathogens and the level of protection provided by the current biosecurity practises that occur in prawn farms in Australia. A direct outcome of this study, has been the significant increase in the volume of pathogen data available to Australian prawn farmers needing to prepare risk assessment and biosecurity management plans under the QLD Biosecurity Act (2014).
Several strategic recommendations have been provided with the support of the broader industry and project participants, the Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA)
For more information about this report, please contact the AFPA’s Kim Hooper: kim.hooper@apfa.com.au.
Projects
Biosecurity in northern Australian prawn aquaculture
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.