Update on Piscirickettsia salmonis

The presence of Piscirickettsia salmonis, an endemic bacteria found in southern Tasmania, has persisted in salmon throughout winter.

It is being closely monitored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

We know the salmon mortalities over summer caused serious concern across our community and the industry.

We are taking this very seriously.

A range of options are being considered by industry and experts to deal with Piscirickettsia salmonis, including vaccine development, adjusting production strategies and improving fish health surveillance.

Industry has also advised of an alternative antibiotic, Florfenicol, that it wants to use.

While the antibiotic has been successfully used overseas, it hasn’t been used in large quantities in Australia.

Our independent EPA and Chief Veterinary Officer will play an important role in providing advice to government and to industry on its use.

Animal welfare, biosecurity and the waterways must be at the forefront of everything industry does.

I have been clear with industry there will be consequences if it doesn’t adhere to the strict rules and act in the best interest of Tasmanians.

This is a reasonable expectation of any farmer or industry.

I convened a briefing with the crossbench, opposition, and independent MLCs to update them on the situation, and have committed to continuing to work with them on this issue.

We will compel companies to provide up-to-date information regarding any level of disease present in Salmon across the State.

The situation will be monitored very closely, and I will be open and transparent about next steps.