THE disease ganglioneuritis is currently causing abalone deaths in waters along the south west coast of Australia near Port Fairy in Victoria.

Impacts of this virus in Victorian waters have been significant, with some commercial abalone reefs having very high rates of mortality. This has resulted in reduced commercial fishing quotas and the closure of large areas of the coast to abalone fishing.

Abalone may carry the disease without showing any detrimental signs, although many exhibit curling of the foot and swelling of the mouth. The disease has no known or likely impacts for human health.

A number of factors may present a risk to spreading the disease into the state including: ocean currents, fishing activities and vessels moving between infected and non-infected areas.

As yet, there have been no reports of the disease spreading to South Australian waters but, as a precaution, all fishers are being asked to adhere to decontamination guidelines when diving for abalone in the south-east of SA.

If dead or dying abalone are discovered, this should be reported to the 24 hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522.

Among measures vessel operators need to carry out include the decontamination with soapy water of vessels, wetsuits, dive equipment and catch bags.

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Abalone virus in Australia