Tasmanian salmon farms are experiencing mass fish deaths due to the Piscirickettsia salmonis bacteria, the state government has confirmed.
The disease was identified on Friday through “complex genetic testing” by Tasmania’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and announced by Minister Eric Abetz in Parliament on Wednesday night.
The bacteria has affected an unspecified number of fish in farms throughout southern Tasmania in recent weeks.
Minister Abetz assured that the bacteria “are not a human or animal health or food safety risk”.
“It is a member of a proposed new genus which also has the Tasmanian rickettsia-like organism,” he said.
“The CVO determined there was no indication of a public health risk. I am advised by the CVO that there is no need for any emergency disease response plan.”
“This matter remains under investigation, led by the EPA.”
Independent MP Craig Garland earlier in the day questioned the limited warnings and advice from authorities regarding the mass mortality incident.
“This has been going on for weeks now,” he said. “When was the testing finalised? Which strain of Piscirickettsia salmonis are we dealing with?”
Primary Industry Minister Jane Howlett said it has been a “challenging situation” for salmon companies and reiterated health precautions sent to anti-fish farm advocates by the EPA.
“The advice remains not to handle or consume dead fish or such substances. If you do touch them, wash your hands if you do,” she said.
“Importantly, beaches remain open for use and no advice has been issued contrary to this.”
