Survey for the presence of White Spot Syndrome virus in Australian crustaceans

Abstract

Abstract Objective To examine populations of Australian crustaceans for evidence of White Spot Syndrome virus (WSSV). Design A national survey was designed to provide 95% confidence of detecting at least one infected crustacean population (site) in Australian waters assuming that at least 5% of sites would be infected and that at least 10 % of crustaceans at those sites would be infected with virus that was detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Procedure A two‐stage sampling regimen was used. All samples were tested by the OIE‐recommended PCRs. If positives were found, they were retested at the Australian Fish Diseases Laboratory. Any sample that tested positive in PCR tests at both laboratories was to be subjected to a bioassay. Results 3051 samples from 64 sites throughout Australia were tested. No mortalities, clinical signs of disease nor evidence of WSSV were detected at any site during the survey. Conclusion The results of the survey support the case that Australia's crustacean populations are free of WSSV.