Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome

In February 2016, Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) was detected in Tasmania in association with significant mortality of farmed Pacific Oysters in a number of growing areas. Confirmed by laboratory testing, it is the first detection of POMS in that State.

NSW oyster farmers that cultivate triploid and diploid Pacific Oysters are reminded to be vigilant and report any unexplained mortality to DPI.

To date POMS has only been known to occur in NSW, where it is known to have caused mortality in farmed Pacific Oysters in the Hawkesbury River and Georges River (including Botany Bay), and the virus that causes POMS has also been detected in Brisbane Water and Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour).

POMS was first detected in Georges River and Port Jackson in 2010 and 2011, and in Hawkesbury River in 2013. The virus causing POMS was detected in Brisbane Water in 2014. Sydney Rock Oysters are not affected by this virus.

The Department has implemented the Biosecurity (Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome) Control Order 2021 that restricts all movement of live oysters and associated equipment from Tasmania to NSW (with the exception of those for direct sale for human consumption).

The department has established a POMS Biosecurity Zone under the NSW Biosecurity Regulation 2019. In this zone, POMS affected areas are described and restrictions apply on the movement of oysters and oyster cultivation equipment. Oysters and equipment may only be moved between affected areas. The movement of oysters from affected areas to any other unaffected NSW waterway is not permitted. Oyster cultivation equipment may only be moved to other unaffected POMS waterways if it has been treated in accordance with strict biosecurity measures. The Department has also developed a procedure that may be used in response to suspected or confirmed outbreaks of POMS in NSW waterways where POMS has not previously been known to occur. More information including support for farmers looking to import disease resistant stock from Tasmania is available on the Biosecurity website.

NSW Health advises there is no risk to human health associated with this event.