The oyster farm experienced a sewage spill in March 2013 that potentially infected over 30,000 consumers with a virus. This caused immense personal and professional strain on those involved in the oyster supply chain as customers experienced shock, panic, stress and anger. The financial costs of lost product and income exceeded $750,000 as businesses were unable to restock for the busy Easter period. Effective communication, documentation, and seeking help from experienced others were identified as important lessons learned for dealing with such contamination events in the future.

1. Tas Prime Oysters
Account of sewage spill 26th March 2013

4. The personal affect on all involved is difficult to describe and hard to re-live
Not knowing if we all had played a part in possibly infecting 30,000+ consumers
with a virus was incredibly difficult to deal with. It placed a major strain on work &
personal life for farmers, regulators, wholesalers, restaurants etc
All customers went through a systematic emotional rollercoaster starting with shock
and progressing to panic, unbelievable stress and eventually anger
Time passed and eventually emotions returned to normal and we were left with
overwhelming disappointment
The final costs to all businesses through the supply chain was in excess of $750K.
This was mainly through loss of product & loss of income, customers were unable
to re-stock for the busy Easter period.

7. Take Home Message
1. If this ever happens to you, don’t go through it alone
2. Be prepared. Understand all your product recall procedures and have an
active communication plan, including 24hr emergency contact details
3. Communication is vital. Dispatch regular updates and build a network
between you, regulators, customers, labs etc. Communicate with the industry
body (Oysters Tas) as media releases need to be well organised
4. Document everything. Keep a running journal/diary, time went by so quick
but we were able to reflect and reference back to our daily diaries. This has also
become critical for any possible legal challenges.
5. Ask for help! There are people that have been through this situation that can
help out with advice … you will need help!