The State Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt, says the $600 million Queensland industry cannot afford to wait until Biosecurity Australia enacts strong quarantine measures and wants imported raw prawn meat banned immediately, fearing white spot and taura viruses could spread into the state's wild and farm prawn stocks.
Ms Jarratt says the threat is so strong the action must be taken now, not after February 21 when the industry consultation period ends.
"We don't want to wait for the 90 days for the consultation period," she said.
"We've established the risk, the risk is serious in defence of our domestic industry.
"We would like Biosecurity Australia to take serious consideration of an immediate ban on the importation of these products.
Source: Abc News Online