The Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) virus has been detected in feral Pacific oysters in Adelaide's Port River.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) found the virus, but said at this stage POMS had not been detected in any South Australian oyster farming areas.

Samples taken during routine surveillance of the Port River area detected the POMS virus.

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POMS is a disease that causes rapid death and high mortality rates in Pacific oysters, and the disease spreads quickly if introduced.

It is a serious threat to the oyster farming industry.

The Tasmanian oyster industry was hit hard in 2016 when the virus was detected in a number of oyster-growing areas.

The transfer of anything oyster-related from Tasmania to South Australia, including spat, was banned.

Growers confident in biosecurity systems

South Australian Oyster Growers Association executive officer Trudy McGowan said the industry remained confident it was being protected by the strong biosecurity systems South Australia had in place.

She said the association was working closely with PIRSA and growers, and would remain vigilant to try and prevent the spread of the virus.

Coffin Bay oyster grower Michael Whillas said it was too early to say what would happen now for growers in the state, but it was heartbreaking to hear the virus was getting closer.

"It's fairly devastating at this stage and we hope that it's contained within that area and that the environment, water temperature and salinity are sufficiently different from where we grow our oysters," he said.

"It's getting too close to home and will make things more and more difficult, but it's now just a time factor to see what will eventuate."

PIRSA fisheries and aquaculture executive director Sean Sloan said PIRSA would continue to monitor and test oysters in the Port River.

He said currently there were no disruptions to the supply of South Australian oysters for sale, and healthy table oysters continued to be processed for human consumption.

But he encouraged everyone to remain vigilant, particularly boat owners and recreational fishers who might be heading to the Port River.

"Fishers and boat users are urged to follow guidelines to protect South Australia's waters and stop the spread of POMS," Mr Sloan said.

More information is available on the PIRSA website.