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.
In the Control Area, you cannot fish from shore or boat, use commercial fishing or abalone equipment, use hoop nets, bait traps, hauling nets and abalone levers for recreational fishing. All abalone, rock lobsters, sea urchins and other aquatic invertebrates cannot be collected, whether live or dead. Boats, vessels and fishing equipment cannot be anchored in the Control Area, however a vessel can move through the area provided it does not stop. A permit must be obtained to move any abalone out of the Control Area.
The Port of Portland breakwater is exempt from the Control Area for use of boat ramps and anchoring, and the Portland Anchorage area for commercial vessels greater than 35 meters in length.
Abalone disease was first detected on a farm in Victoria in December 2005. The last recorded instance was in the wild in January 2010 at Cape Otway.
Abalone that seem diseased must be reported immediately to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888.
