Oyster producers in and around Port Stephens have been urged look out for signs of QX in oysters, which has been detected in the region for the first time.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Sarah Britton said laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) had confirmed the presence of QX in samples following routine sampling in Port Stephens.
"The oysters submitted to NSW Department of Primary Industries were in poor condition and exhibiting poor shell growth," Dr Britton said.
"Samples were sent to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and the positive result was confirmed today.
"QX poses no risk to human health and all seafood in the market place remains safe to eat."
QX affects Sydney Rock Oysters and is caused by a protozoan parasite. Infected oysters show signs including lack of growth and loss of condition on inspection.
Dr Britton said NSW DPI will be deploying significant resources to bear in the effort to manage the detection.
"Today we have activated an Incident Management Team and we expect to announce a number of biosecurity measures in the coming days, we will continue to work closely with the local oyster industry in response to this threat," she said.
"Port Stephens is a vital oyster producing estuary and the second most valuable NSW oyster production estuary in NSW.
"Oyster production in NSW is estimated to be worth $58.2 million and oyster producers, particularly Port Stephens oyster producers, are still recovering from flooding in March."
Dr Britton urged Sydney Rock Oyster producers to be vigilant and to report anything unusual with their stock.
"It's vital that any producer who sees anything out of the ordinary reports it to the NSW Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244," she said.
