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.