Australian AVG virus threatens NZ paua

The virus, called ganglio-neuritis or AVG, had affected a 200km stretch of Victorian coastline and killed up to 90 percent of abalone on infected reefs.

Abalone are similar to paua.

The virus does not present a danger to humans eating paua.

Australian scientists were unsure exactly how the virus spread from one area to another, but as it tended to "hop" along the coastline, it was believed it could be carried on contaminated fishing and diving gear, Mr Cooper said.

The virus could potentially have a devastating effect on New Zealand paua, which was closely related to Australian abalone species, and there was a possibility it could reach New Zealand, Mr Cooper said.

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Latest Industry News

•   Fish to Eat, Fish to Avoid: Seafish in Praise
•   Seas and Oceans: EU Research Protects and Sustains
•   New PR Firm to Get Yellow Perch in Restaurants
•   Pressure at Sea: Can Port Mouton Bay Survive?
•   Global Report on Key Challenges to Aquaculture
•   Ethical Consumer: MCS Fish Sustainability Advice
•   UK Movement Restricted as Koi Herpesvirus Confirmed
•   GM Oysters at Root of French Shellfish Plague
•   New Guidelines to Protect Deep-sea Fish
•   Analysing Perfluorinated Compounds in Seafood