European Carp (Cyrpinus carpio), or common carp, are a serious introduced pest of Australia’s fresh waters. They are damaging aquatic plants, muddying water, and harming native animals. This causes adverse environmental, social and economic impacts.
The Australian Government is considering using Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (carp virus) to manage carp, through the Carp Biological Control Program. Work is underway to assess the potential to use the carp virus to control carp in Australia. However, any future release of the carp virus is likely several years away. It is dependent on thorough research, planning, stakeholder consultation, and regulatory approvals.
Carp Biological Control Program roadmap
Early research
In 2016, the Australian Government began investigating the feasibility of using the carp virus to control carp. The first phase of work included extensive consultation, planning investigations and research. This led to the publication of the National Carp Control Plan in November 2022. The report found that the carp virus has potential as a biocontrol agent. It also identified several areas requiring more research. Without this further research, a decision to release the carp virus in Australia cannot be made.
Current priorities
In 2023, Australian agriculture ministers agreed to 7 priority research actions.
- Determine susceptibility of other species.
- Understand impacts on threatened species, communities, and river systems.
- Understand transmissibility in a natural setting.
- Understand how effective the virus is in a natural setting.
- Conduct a cost-benefit analysis.
- Verify epidemiological modelling.
- Consider integrated carp management.
The Carp Biological Control Program is addressing these 7 priority research actions.
Outcomes of this research will help determine if the program should continue or come to an end. For example, the program will end if release of the virus is likely to negatively impact other species to an unacceptable level. We will be providing updates as each research stage is completed.
This research will improve knowledge and understanding of the carp virus for use as a biocontrol agent, but some risks and uncertainties will remain. It is likely the research will take several years to complete.
Program management
The program is coordinated by the department’s Environmental Biosecurity Office. Scientific and technical advice is provided by the Carp Scientific Advisory Group, a representative body of scientific experts. The Environmental Invasives Committee provides policy advice.
In March 2024, the department established a working group with fisheries officials from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland to consider developing a proposal for a field trial and a controlled release of the Carp virus. Regulatory approvals must be secured before there can be any trial-controlled release of the virus.
Find out more
- Read The National Carp Control Plan
- Get updates from the Carp Scientific Advisory Group.
- Contact the Environmental Biosecurity Office.