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News item [01-2008]:
January 10 , 2008
Exotic viruses in imported uncooked prawns
Whitespot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Infectious Hypodermal and Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV), Yellowhead Virus (YHV) and Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV) have each been associated with serious to economically distastrous disease outbreaks in farmed prawns in many countries. Australia is generally considered to be free from these diseases. |
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For this reason, the import of uncooked prawns and prawn products into Australia is subject to compliance with quarantine conditions. Such quarantine conditions on imported prawns were initially introduced in 2000 and strengthened in 2001, and included health certification, post-arrival inspection and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) testing.
In July 2007 a Biosecurity Australia Policy Memorandum (BAPM) was released and prescribed stronger risk management measures intended to reduce quarantine risks imposed by WSSV, YHV and IHHNV to a very low level in order to achieve an Appropriate Level of Protection for Australia.
These recently revised interim quarantine measures include requirements that imports should:
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be sourced from a country or zone that is recognised by Australia to be free of WSSV, infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), yellowhead virus (YHV) and Taura syndrome virus (TSV); or
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have the head and shell removed (except for the last shell segment and tail fans) and, if not from a disease free source, have each batch tested on arrival with negative results for WSSV, IHHNV and YHV.
Research staff at Advanced Analytical's molecular biology laboratory have validated a full suite of real-time PCR tests for the detection of WSSV, IHHNV, YHV and TSV in prawns and prawn products. The PCR Tests for WSSV, IHHNV and YHV are fully NATA accredited. Advanced Analytical is also an AQIS approved testing facility for the detection of these aquatic viruses in prawns.
For the testing of any imported prawn shipments please contact Attila Tottszer in Sydney on 02 98889077 or Andrew Bradbury in Brisbane on 07 38622510 for information and quotations.
Go to Advanced Analytical Molecular Services >>
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