We completed an import risk analysis of prawns and prawn products (prawn IRA) in 2009
Steps to complete this review
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- start the risk analysis by reviewing the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish a final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON)
Since 2017, conditions for importing prawns and prawn products have progressively changed. Stakeholders were advised of these changes via Biosecurity Advice 2020-A03, Biosecurity Advice 2018-15 and Biosecurity Advice 2017-12.
Check the current conditions for importing prawns and prawn products in BICON. You can also register in BICON to receive an alert if conditions change.
A comprehensive risk review of all conditions for importing prawns and prawn products for human consumption is underway and the report will be published on this page when completed.
Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
About the 2009 prawn IRA
We recommended that the import of prawns and prawn products for human consumption be allowed subject to compliance with specified risk management measures.
The final report detailed:
- diseases of biosecurity concern
- risk assessments for the identified diseases
- recommended risk management measures.
Diseases
The final report named disease agents that need risk management measures. These are:
- white spot syndrome virus
- yellow head virus genotype 1
- Taura syndrome virus
- ‘Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei' (previously known as necrotising hepatopancreatitis bacterium) — for unfrozen product.
Risk management measures
In summary, required risk management measures included:
- country or zone freedom from above diseases
- diagnostic testing for white spot syndrome virus and yellow head virus genotype 1
- head and shell removal
- further processing such as being breaded, battered or crumbed
- cooked to a level that all the protein in the prawn meat has coagulated and no raw prawn meat remains.
Download final report
Biosecurity Australia, 2009
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Download supporting documents
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Register as a stakeholder
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Contact us
For more information about this review email Animal Biosecurity.