Abalone Disease

Update: September 2024

Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG, also known as Abalone disease) is a viral disease which affects the nervous system of abalone and results in the foot curling up, swelling of the mouth, leading to weakness and death of abalone. There are no effects on human health.

On 23 February 2024, South Australian authorities detected AVG in wild abalone near Port Macdonnell. For the latest on SA's abalone disease response, click here.

In response to the South Australian detection, the Victorian Fisheries Authority introduced a Fisheries Notice on 28 February, 2024.

The Notice prohibits the use of commercial fishing gear and specified recreational fishing gear, specifically hoop nets, bait traps, abalone levers, catch bags and recreational haul nets, that have been used in a restricted area in South Australia, from being used back in Victorian waters. The restricted area extends from the SA/Vic border westwards past Port Macdonnell to near Meningie.

Our Fisheries Notice also prohibits the possession of unprocessed abalone from South Australia anywhere in Victoria and imposes several conditions on Victorian-licensed commercial rock lobster fishers, to contain the spread of the virus into Victorian waters.

As always, we encourage fishers and boaters across Victoria to Check, Clean and Dry their dive equipment and fishing gear.

Portland Abalone Stock Protection Area

The area between Whites Beach and Point Danger, inclusive of Lawrence Rocks was previously closed to all abalone fishing via a Fisheries Notice, which expired on 30 June 2024. Recreational and commercial abalone fishing is now allowed in this area. However, the area will continue to be assessed for signs of the virus and stock rehabilitation. The specified waters that were previously closed are illustrated in the map below. Click here or on the map to enlarge the image.

How to stop the spread

To reduce the risk of future spread it is important to remain vigilant to signs of this virus. Checking, cleaning and drying your gear and boat is the best way to reduce the risk. To find out more, click here.

Across Victoria, you cannot:

• Be in possession of shucked abalone on, or near Victorian waters, which therefore prohibits the use of any part of the abalone as bait.
• Shuck or clean abalone until being prepared to eat, at the location they will be eaten.
• Dispose of abalone shell or gut back into the ocean. You must use your rubbish bin for disposal.

If you find an abalone that you think is sick, anywhere in Victoria, please call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

A Code of Practice is also available to people wanting to put steps into place to help stop the spread of AVG in Victoria. This Code of Practice, developed by Agriculture Victoria, aims to strengthen and protect the abalone industry. You can find the code of Practice by clicking here.

Click here to learn how to effectively clean your gear and boat to stay safe.

To see what a sick abalone looks like, view the video below.