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Abalone disease emerges in Victoria 6 May 2021
A control area is now in place along the coast of Portland from Bridgewater Bay to Narrawong. Image: Agriculture Victoria
WILD abalone off the coast of Cape Nelson have tested positive for a disease called Abalone Virus Ganglioneuritis.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer said the disease affects the nervous system of abalone, resulting in curling of the foot and swelling of the mouth leading to weakness and death, with about 90 per cent of affected abalone dying.
Agriculture Victoria says there are no known risks to human health and abalone remain safe to eat.
A Control Area has been declared to assist in limiting the spread of disease. The Control Area spans along the coastline from the middle of Bridgewater Bay in the west to past Narrawong Coastal Reserve in the east and is varied between two and 10km offshore. This includes areas of Portland.
Wild abalone off the coast of Cape Nelson have tested positive for a disease called Abalone Virus Ganglioneuritis.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer said the disease affects the nervous system of abalone, resulting in curling of the foot and swelling of the mouth leading to weakness and death, with about 90 per cent of affected abalone dying.
There are no known risks to human health and abalone remain safe to eat.
“Thank you to the diver who noticed a cluster of dead abalone and reported it immediately. This is crucial to helping us act quickly and understand the extent disease spread,” Dr Cooke said.
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Construction is set to begin on a 410-metre rock wall at a picturesque beach in Victoria’s south-west, sparking a fierce backlash from opponents who fear it will permanently damage the stretch of coast.
Glenelg Shire is pushing ahead with plans to build the wall at Bridgewater Bay on Monday, arguing the foreshore is vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion. However, it acknowledges the foreshore is not currently eroding significantly.
Jo Austin and his daughter Adelaide McLeod want the council to postpone plans to build a 410-metre rock wall at Bridgewater Bay.
Credit:Nicole Cleary
Some residents have mounted a last-minute bid to halt the project, instructing lawyers to file an injunction unless the council agrees to postpone building the wall.
Rocky reception for sea wall at picturesque Victorian beach smh.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from smh.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.