Date of Issue: 07 January 2016
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Seafood
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources - Central and Regional offices
Affected Markets: French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Ukraine
Further information: Please contact Exports if you have queries.
On 7 January 2016, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the confirmed detection of Bonamia exitiosa in native flat oysters (Ostrea angasi) located in Victoria.
As a result of this detection, the department has reviewed export certification for bivalve molluscs for all markets to determine which certification can no longer be issued. The department will suspend all certification for affected products from French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Ukraine effective from today, 7 January 2016. Affected certification is indicated in Attachment 1.
The department does not anticipate significant trade disruptions; however, exporters should be aware that other trading partners may impose bans on Australian bivalve molluscs in response to Australia’s OIE notification. Should exporters encounter any difficulty with the clearance of consignments as a result of this detection please e-mail Exports. The department will manage detained consignments as a priority.
The department will keep industry informed of further developments.
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.