Formal controls remain in place on the movement of oysters and oyster farming equipment from the Georges River and Botany Bay. There are also restrictions in place on the recreational take of oysters from the affected area.
Laboratory testing found Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) genetic material in association with the affected Pacific oysters; however, a causative role of this virus has not been established.
A surveillance programme has been initiated to determine whether OsHV-1 (including OsHV-1 µ variant) is present in other Pacific oyster farming areas.
The New South Wales Food Authority has advised that there is no evidence to suggest any food safety issues associated with infected oysters.
Investigating Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 Variant
AUSTRALIA - The New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment continues to investigate a syndrome of mortality in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), detected in the Georges River estuary and Botany Bay, New South Wales.
