Abalone Disease

The presence of a disease, that causes ganglioneuritis, was first confirmed in early 2006, following reports of unusually high mortality rates from several Victorian abalone aquaculture farms in late 2005. In May 2006 the virus was detected in wild populations, in southwest Victoria. Its presence has since been confirmed as far east as White Cliffs near Johanna, and west as far as Discovery Bay Marine Park. To report any signs of the virus please contact the DPI Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Please note that the disease poses no known or likely threats to human health.

For additional information please see the following links: Background & Impact Management Action Biosecurity Protocols Research & Surveillance National Abalone Health Abalone Health Bulletin To view the Abalone Health Bulletin you will require a copy of Adobe Acrobat Viewer. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link) July 2009 Abalone Health Bulletin (PDF 13KB) To request a copy of previous abalone health bulletins, or to be included in the mailing list, please email sasha.ruff@dpi.vic.gov.au For more information call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

The abalone biosecurity protocols have been widely promoted throughout the Victorian coastline.