White spot disease has been detected in NSW prawns. Find out about the response to contain and eradicate the disease currently underway.
Aquatic animals, like terrestrial animals and humans, can be affected by infectious diseases, which may be caused by pathogens such as:
- viruses
- bacteria
- fungi
- protozoa
- parasites
Infection and disease in aquatic animals is normal, but can become severe under certain conditions. These can include the introduction of new diseases to a population or conditions that promote disease, such as host animal stress.
Early identification of aquatic animal diseases is important and helps us protect:
- sustainability of commercial and recreational fisheries
- productivity of aquaculture industries
- access to international markets for Australian seafood industries
- aquatic environments
We lead the management of aquatic animal health in Australia.
Find out more about our aquatic animal health programs and our emergency aquatic animal disease preparedness and response activities.