WHY WAS THE RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN?

This research investigates the effects of farm management practices on oyster survival in POMS affected areas in Tasmania and was undertaken in close collaboration with industry to scientifically assess observations and views held by oyster growers about how their farming methods were influencing POMS mortalities.

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WHAT ARE THE MAJOR FINDINGS/OUTCOMES SO FAR?

• Water temperatures, generally above 19-20 °C are required to activate the virus, although mortalities differ between locations and between sites within growing areas. 

• Mortalities showed no clear differences between age/size groups, and chilling had no effect; however, mortalities were higher in unchallenged than pre-exposed oysters.

• Increased mortalities were also recorded in oysters at higher densities and in those not handled over summer compared with those handled monthly.

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HOW IMPORTANT WILL THESE FINDINGS BE IMPORTANT TO INDUSTRY?

This research is still in progress as data have not been analysed and qPCR results of viral concentrations have not been received. These findings are important to industry as they provide a scientifically robust evaluation of  current farming practices in POMS affected areas. These trials were conducted on-farm in close collaboration with growers.

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Please see video below for the research summary.