The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has released the Review of the biosecurity risks of prawns imported from all countries for human consumption - draft report (the review) for a 110 day consultation period.
The review was undertaken in response to the white spot disease outbreak that occurred in south-east Queensland in 2016-17, and in recognition of new and emerging diseases and advances in scientific knowledge since the release of the Generic import risk analysis report for prawns and prawn products 2009. The review has taken into account current scientific information, international standards developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health, policies adopted by other countries for the importation of prawns, advice from international scientific experts, submissions received from stakeholders, relevant industry practices and operational practicalities.
The review identified 10 hazards of biosecurity concern for imported prawns. We undertook risk assessments for each and proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks.
The draft report proposes that prawns continue to be permitted import into Australia, subject to compliance with a range of biosecurity measures.
The draft report can be accessed at https://haveyoursay.awe.gov.au/review-of-thebiosecurity-risks-of-imported-prawns. Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the draft report by 15 January 2021.
The department will carefully consider all submissions before preparing the final report.
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