Import Risk Analysis: Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from Hawaii

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This risk analysis examines the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of live freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) into New Zealand.

A preliminary hazard list was compiled, comprising 76 viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, metazoan and other disease agents. The hazard identification concluded that six of these diseases should be considered potential hazards in the commodity: White Spot Disease, White Tail Disease, Lactococcosis, Rickettsial disease, Aphanomyces sp. infection and the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Risk assessments were conducted for each of these organisms, and it was concluded that risk management measures were necessary for the viruses causing white spot disease and white tail disease the fungus Aphanomyces astaci and the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

The following risk management methods were recommended:

  1. M. rosenbergii destined for export should be sourced only from an aquaculture facility which has a water supply free from known colonisation by Procambarus clarkii, a known carrier of Aphanomyces astaci.
  2. The water supply for the facility must be treated by filtration and/or ultraviolet irradiation and/or ozonation to a level which can be shown to remove all known vectors of A. cantonensis.
  3. The facility must have a verifiable history of testing for diseases in their stocks of M. rosenbergii which demonstrates that the animals are not infected with the organisms that cause White Spot Disease or White Tail Disease.
  4. Within 1 month of the shipping date a sample of 150 individuals must be taken from the specific population of M. rosenbergii from which the animals are being sourced for export.
  5. These samples must be submitted to the following diagnostic tests at a diagnostic facility approved by the competent authority in the exporting country:
    1. Examination of haemolymph, gills or pleopods for the causative agent of White Spot Disease using the nested PCR method recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE 2005a).
    2. Examination of haemolymph, gills, tail muscle or pleopods for the organisms causing White Tail Disease using the PCR described by Yoganandhan et al. (2005).
  6. The M. rosenbergii intended for export must be removed from the same population and at the same time as the animals being tested for viruses. The animals intended for

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