Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis

Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is a highly virulent herpes-like-virus, previously undescribed in Australia. The Virus affects the nervous tissue of abalone and rapidly causes death. The virus can be spread through direct contact, through the water column without contact, and in mucus that infected abalone produce before dying.

The Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer has advised that There are no public health or food safety implications associated with this virus.

Vada is willing to meet with Victorian Community Groups and Organisations and will provide complimentary uptodate information and presentations regarding the. Ganglioneuritis Virus. Submit a Comment/Request...

The map below gives an indication of the spread of the Ganglioneuritis Virus since it was first detected in the wild Fishery, that is, since 24th. May, 2006.
Click here for a more detailed map of the affected Reef Codes.

Next tab brief Background.

 

In December 2005, unexplained mortalities of farmed abalone were detected in two Western Victoria land-based farms, one at Portland, the other at Port Fairy, de-stocking, cleaning and disinfecting of the land based aquaculture farms wasn't completed until July 2006.

The Ganglioneuritis Virus is highly pathogenic with rapid onset of less than 48 hours and death in less than 6 days. To date there is 100% mortality of abalone if they are infected.
In the wild, when the Virus has moved through and infected a reef area there have been mortalities of up to 95%. One such infected reef area recorded mortalities of 90% in 2 weeks.

It is not known if surviving abalone in the wild have a resistance or whether they are just lucky not to have been infected, nor is it known how long the Virus stays active in the water column. Currently the infected area of coast is approaching 200 km, with significant impacts being felt by the abalone populations, marine ecosystems and the environment.

Vada is willing to meet with Victorian Community Groups and Organisations to provide complimentary uptodate information and presentations. Submit a Comment/Request...