Not in New Zealand

This abalone disease is currently prevalent in abalone populations on the Victorian coast in Australia, where it is having a severe impact on the abalone industry.

AVG is not currently present in New Zealand.

Because a number of different abalone species are affected in Australia, it is suspected that New Zealand's native päua could become infected, should the virus be transferred here.

If you suspect you have seen this virus in New Zealand paua, call 0800 80 99 66.

Symptoms

Abalone Virus Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is a herpes-like virus affecting black and green lip abalone populations in Australia.

AVG causes inflammation of the shellfish's nervous tissue, resulting in the edges of the foot curling inwards, swelling and protrusion of the mouth and excess mucous production.

Active signs of viral infection include animals losing muscle control and sliding or falling off their usual locations or surfaces. In an infected environment, intact dead abalone or shiny empty shells are found on beaches.

Impact

AVG has severe impacts on the abalone industry. Stock abundance surveys in Australia have suggested declines in affected populations of between 40 - 95 percent. In February 2007, abalone divers in south west Victoria were forecasting a $5 million loss in this season's earnings as a result of the virus. Both mandatory and voluntary closures of areas of coastline to commercial and/or recreational harvest have been imposed. The virus has the potential to severely impact New Zealand's päua industry.

Spread

This virus is not currently present in New Zealand. It is, however, spread along almost 200km of Australia's Victorian state coastline and infection has been found close to the Victorian border with South Australia.

Management

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has measures in place at the border aimed at preventing the introduction of this virus to New Zealand abalone/paua stocks.

Various Import Health Standards are in place to mitigate risk in this area. Live abalone (Haliotis spp.) is not eligible for importation into New Zealand because it is not eligible under any IHS. The Import Health Standard for Ornamental Fish and Marine Invertebrates from all Countries lists species of marine fish and invertebrates (other than abalone) that are eligible for importation into New Zealand. All consignments of fish and marine invertebrates that are eligible under this standard are required to go through quarantine before they maybe given Biosecurity Clearance. All marine fish and invertebrates are quarantined for a minimum of three weeks.

All marine shells and shell ornaments (including abalone/paua) may be given biosecurity clearance provided that they are dry and non-viable as per the IHS for the Importation into New Zealand of Ornamental Animal Products. This also applies to all Australian abalone shell products. Abalone products for human consumption need to be shelled and cooked as per the IHS for Marine fisheries products for human consumption.

Used equipment associated with marine aquatic animals or marine water activities from any country can only be given biosecurity clearance provided that equipment is visibly clean and completely dry on arrival into New Zealand (IHS for Equipment Associated with Animals and Water). Particular attention is paid to equipment associated with aquaculture. Where equipment is not clean and dry it is treated by inspectors to remove possible disease organisms such as AVG.

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has a highly trained group of Risk Screeners in place at our border to stop any goods posing a risk of transmitting this virus from entering New Zealand. The situation is being continuously monitored and analysed.