Deadly prawn virus detected at supermarkets

The deadly white spot virus has been detected in prawns being sold at southeast Queensland supermarkets, reigniting warnings of the risk posed to local stocks.

Prawns bought from 10 retail outlets and tested for the virus by University of the Sunshine Coast professor Wayne Knibb found about one third had been or were infected.

"Clearly, if we can find in a very limited sample 30 per cent of samples that were in the history connected or in contact with the virus, then clearly we're playing with fire here," Professor Knibb told the ABC's Four Corners.

White spot virus is deadly to prawns but harmless to humans.

Last year, Queensland's $360 million prawn industry was dealt a massive blow with news white spot virus had spread into open water at Moreton Bay.

The discovery triggered the immediate enforcement of a movement control order, in a bid to stop the virus from spreading and causing the disease.

Aquaculture operators and fishers should report any unusual signs in prawns and other crustaceans to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.