Northern NSW prawn farms have entered the final stage of white spot decontamination as part the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) response to eradicate white spot from the three affected farms.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Jo Coombe, said the decontamination and water discharge process is complete at the three Clarence River prawn farms where white spot was detected in early 2023.
“Consumers can continue to safely purchase and enjoy Clarence River prawns and seafood from local seafood suppliers,” Dr Coombe said.
“NSW DPI appreciates the support of affected producers to contain and eradicate white spot on their farms, as we work with industry to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to minimise risk of further spread.
“Now on-farm decontamination activities are finished, prawn farm ponds will be left empty to fallow for 40 days.”
Dr Coombe said the safe discharge of treated water from each of the properties was a key step in the eradication process.
“NSW DPI worked closely with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) which set strict provisions for the discharge of water to ensure there was no impact on the environment or river users,” she said.
“Authorised officers regularly tested water quality and ensured strict environmental protection standards were met before, during and after the discharge.
“NSW EPA officers monitored the surrounding environment and waterways, measuring water quality during discharge into the estuary.
“The treated water discharged from the farms met all the EPA’s water quality criteria for release into the environment and confirmed the water being discharged was safe for people, aquatic life and livestock.”
NSW DPI is conducting ongoing testing and surveillance of prawns and other decapod crustaceans from the local area.
White spot affects crustaceans and can cause mortalities in farmed prawns. It does not affect other species. NSW prawns and seafood remain safe to consume.
