Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) has been confirmed in wild abalone in waters south of Port MacDonnell, the first time the disease has been found in South Australia, and restrictions are now in place in the area.

On 21 February 2024 a commercial abalone fisher reported dead and dying abalone at Breaksea Reef, and submitted samples to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) for testing. PCR tests have confirmed AVG in the samples.

PIRSA has activated a response team and measures to contain the spread of disease have been put in place, and commercial and recreational industries have been notified.

A control area has been declared in the state’s Southern Abalone Zone, spanning the coastline from Nene Valley in the west to the South Australian/Victorian border in the east and reaches 5 nautical miles (approximately 10km) out to sea.

This control area has been put in place to stop the possible spread of the disease to abalone in other areas currently not affected.

These measures will remain in place until surveillance activities inform next steps including a review of these restrictions.

AVG has no known effects on human health.

In the control area (right) you cannot:

• fish from shore or boat
• anchor for the purposes of fishing activities
• use commercial fishing or abalone equipment
• use hoop nets, bait traps, hauling nets or abalone levers for recreational fishing
• collect any abalone, rock lobsters, sea urchins or other aquatic invertebrates, whether live or dead.

South Australia’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Elise Spark said the restrictions were essential to prevent the spread of this disease, as a widespread outbreak would be devastating to the South Australian abalone industry.

“Everyone needs to understand and comply with the restrictions that have been put in place, and immediately report any dead or dying abalone in any part of the state to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or via the SA Fishing app,” Dr Spark said.

AVG is caused by a mollusc herpes virus that only infects abalone, affecting the abalone nervous system, causing weakness and eventually death. It  has the potential to severely impact local abalone stocks and reef ecosystems.

To help reduce the spread of AVG disease, South Australians statewide are encouraged to:

• Check: all vessels, fishing, diving and surfing equipment and remove anything including, water, sand or seaweed, and check your catch for signs of illness.
• Clean: boats at home or at a commercial car wash, and wash your wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with fresh, soapy water.
• Dry: all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely before heading out into the water again.

You must not dispose of any abalone shell or gut into the ocean. Dispose of it in household rubbish.

PIRSA also reminds fishers that abalone cannot be used for bait or berley in South Australian waters.

PIRSA will continue to update industry, recreational fishers and the general public. For more information visit PIRSA.