Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) disease is caused by a herpesvirus (infection with abalone herpesvirus, AbHV) and was first detected in Victoria in December 2005. The last recorded instance of this disease in Victoria was in January 2010 at Cape Otway.
The disease was again confirmed in the Cape Nelson area on 2 May 2021. Since then, further detections have been made at several locations and has been confirmed in Victoria as far east as Cape Otway and as far west as the Discovery Ba ....Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) disease is caused by a herpesvirus (infection with abalone herpesvirus, AbHV) and was first detected in Victoria in December 2005. The last recorded instance of this disease in Victoria was in January 2010 at Cape Otway.
The disease was again confirmed in the Cape Nelson area on 2 May 2021. Since then, further detections have been made at several locations and has been confirmed in Victoria as far east as Cape Otway and as far west as the Discovery Bay Marine Park.
While the virus is active there is a need for the Victorian wild catch abalone fishers to urgently review past research, to inform a gap analysis and further research.
This review will support those involved in the outbreak and inform fellow members nationally with a summary of past research and a way forward with other research for up-to-date biosecurity protocols, surveillance, and diagnostic tools to aid rapid detection to future proof the industry. Relevant industry, government representatives and stakeholders will be kept informed and asked to comment and contribute issues and ideas for a cooperative structured way forward to build a common framework on which to establish a set of key actions and or priorities. At the end of a staged process a workshop will be organised to evaluate and reassess research needs, assess and implement research findings and if further gaps are identified develop a framework to action.
Objectives: 1. Conduct an analysis of past research on AVG, create a plain English summary and identify knowledge and research gaps that can be evaluated nationally by key stakeholders 2. Hold a workshop that will be a mixture of face to face and virtual so that key stakeholders can attend and participate in evaluation of suggested research projects identified 3. Prepare and provide a final report that clearly articulates research priorities for AVG in the short term and long term Read moreRead less
Development Of Sector-specific Biosecurity Plan Templates And Guidance Documents For The Abalone And Oyster Aquaculture Industries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$59,997.00
Summary
Although the abalone and oyster industries and relevant jurisdictions have implemented a range of measures to mitigate the risks of major diseases of concern (i.e. AVG, POMS), both industry sectors still lack a nationally consistent, agreed approach to biosecurity.
An industry-wide biosecurity plan is a critical component of health accreditation programs to facilitate safe interjurisdictional and international trade in aquatic animals. Minimum biosecurity standards must meet importing jurisdic ....Although the abalone and oyster industries and relevant jurisdictions have implemented a range of measures to mitigate the risks of major diseases of concern (i.e. AVG, POMS), both industry sectors still lack a nationally consistent, agreed approach to biosecurity.
An industry-wide biosecurity plan is a critical component of health accreditation programs to facilitate safe interjurisdictional and international trade in aquatic animals. Minimum biosecurity standards must meet importing jurisdiction or country requirements, so it is vital that these plans are recognised by state government authorities and implemented by industry. Note that for interstate trade, requirements generally outline that oyster or abalone livestock only be sourced from land-based facilities with high level (auditable) biosecurity.
The abalone industry require movement of broodstock between farms to improve genetic family lines. A national Abalone Health Accreditation Program (developed by SCAAH) provides guidance for land-based abalone farms to demonstrate freedom of AVG for the purpose of trade. Biosecurity and surveillance requirements form the basis of the health accreditation program. A nationally agreed biosecurity plan (guidance document) specific to land-based abalone farms, which identifies specific disease risks and provides recommended systems to mitigate those (and potential emergent) risks, is now required to assist farmers in developing their own farm biosecurity plans.
Similarly, for the oyster industry both biosecurity and surveillance are required to demonstrate freedom of POMS (and mitigation of potential other emergent biosecurity risks). This is particularly important for consideration of movement of hatchery reared spat (juveniles) from areas of known infection to areas not known to be affected by POMS. These two fundamental requirements (biosecurity and surveillance) are outlined in South Australia’s draft import protocols for spat sourced from oyster hatcheries. Nationally agreed guidelines for oyster hatchery biosecurity plans are now required to facilitate trade in oyster spat. Objectives: 1. To develop an industry-endorsed, sector-specific biosecurity plan and relevant guidance documents for the Australian farmed abalone industry (land-based). 2. To develop an industry-endorsed, sector-specific biosecurity plan and relevant guidance documents for the Australian oyster industry (land-based). Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Exercise Sea Fox: Testing Aquatic Animal Disease Emergency Response Capabilities Within Aquaculture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$51,847.02
Summary
Exercise Sea Fox is scheduled to commence 23 October 2012, initially as a pre-planned State focussed aquatic disease outbreak exercise. The objective of requesting funding from FRDC is to elevate the exercise to a national focus.
Emergency response arrangements and exercising these arrangements for an aquatic disease outbreak is at the core of disease prevention and management. Aquatic diseases that are of high priority and threaten the sustainability of Australian aquaculture industrie ....Exercise Sea Fox is scheduled to commence 23 October 2012, initially as a pre-planned State focussed aquatic disease outbreak exercise. The objective of requesting funding from FRDC is to elevate the exercise to a national focus.
Emergency response arrangements and exercising these arrangements for an aquatic disease outbreak is at the core of disease prevention and management. Aquatic diseases that are of high priority and threaten the sustainability of Australian aquaculture industries include: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) and Abalone Viral ganglioneuritis (AVG). POMS is a high priority disease particularly for SA, NSW and TAS.
Government and industry have state and national obligations for responding to biosecurity incursions. The emergency response framework includes OIE manuals, AQUAVETPLAN manuals, State legislation and emergency management plans. Readiness requires on-going training and exercises to maintain preparedness for an incursion. The need for an aquatic disease exercise has been highlighted at both State and National levels.
Aquaculture industry awareness and training has previously been identified as a gap in biosecurity emergency response preparedness. It has also been recognised that other sectors within government are not familiar with the obligations and needs of an aquatic animal emergency disease response.
Exercise Sea Fox will include national (SA, NSW and Tas) participation from both government (including DAFF) and industry bodies. The exercise will test State and national arrangements. Although this exercise will be based within SA, State emergency response frameworks are based on international and national guidelines.
Both government and industry are on a heightened state of alert where early detection and rapid emergency response is vital for effective control and containment of significant disease outbreaks.
Objectives: 1. Raise awareness within government and industry of national and state emergency management obligations. 2. Provide government and industry personnel with an opportunity to develop and practice skills and procedures when responding to an emergency aquatic animal disease 3. Develop knowledge within government of the aquatic industry 4. Identify gaps in national, State and industry’s aquatic response frameworks Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Characterisation Of Abalone Herpes-like Virus Infections In Abalone
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$401,292.00
Summary
At the National Abalone Health Workplan Priority Setting Workshop held on 18 June 2008 in Melbourne, attended by representatives from DPI Victoria, SARDI, FRDC, VADA, TAC, EZAIA), AAGA, ACA, CSIRO, DPIW Tasmania, RecFish, DAFF and NSW DPI, it was agreed that to address the main epidemiological questions research should be focussed on 4 areas: 1) Development of diagnostics techniques with the highest priorities being: - Technique to isolate and concentrate the virus from abalone tissues ( ....At the National Abalone Health Workplan Priority Setting Workshop held on 18 June 2008 in Melbourne, attended by representatives from DPI Victoria, SARDI, FRDC, VADA, TAC, EZAIA), AAGA, ACA, CSIRO, DPIW Tasmania, RecFish, DAFF and NSW DPI, it was agreed that to address the main epidemiological questions research should be focussed on 4 areas: 1) Development of diagnostics techniques with the highest priorities being: - Technique to isolate and concentrate the virus from abalone tissues (addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - A rapid and specific diagnostic test-development of a validated PCR-test for the AVG virus (addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - Secondary diagnostic test (ISH development addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - Validation of diagnostic tests (partly addressed in proposed extension of FRDC Project 2007/006 (PCR) and this project (ISH validation)) - Rollout of diagnostic tests across the States (addressed in proposed extension of FRDC Project 2007/006) - Distribution of infective dose in tissues (to be addressed by this proposal) 2) Disease aetiology and transmission with the highest priorities being: - Other bio-vectors and abiotic factors (to be addressed by this proposal) - Determination of the susceptibility of remnant populations following exposure to AVG (to be addressed by this proposal) 3) Virus inactivation with the highest priorities being: - Determine the viability of the AVG virus, including disinfection efficacy; efficacy of treatments (to be addressed by this proposal) - Survival of the virus in seawater (to be addressed by this proposal) - Survival of the virus on fomites (to be addressed by this proposal) 4) Disease surveillance and modelling with the highest priorities being: - National survey of stocks to determine current distribution of the virus, including latency, and resistance status of stocks (partly addressed by this proposal) - Determine the mode(s) of spread of the AVG (not addressed) Objectives: 1. Validate the developed in situ hybridisation diagnostic test including roll out to other States 2. Develop a quantitative assay (qPCR) for determining infectious dose for this virus 3. Determine the sensitivity of the virus to physico-chemical conditions including its stability in water/on fomites and its sensitivity to inactivation agents 4. Determine the role of mucus in viral transmission 5. Determine whether a latent stage exists in AVG 6. Determine the susceptibility of remnant populations of abalone previously exposed to AVG and known unexposed wild populations in South Australia Read moreRead less
Population Genomic Assessment Of Australian Blacklip Abalone For Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) Resistance
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$165,700.00
Summary
AVG remains the greatest threat to the economic viability and stability of the abalone industry in south-eastern Australia. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for strategic research aimed at determining the likely vulnerability of fisheries to future AVG outbreaks and providing managers with the necessary tools for biosecuring wild and farmed stocks at regional, state and national scales.
The fact that some animals from AVG affected wild stocks survived the disease outbreak suggests the ....AVG remains the greatest threat to the economic viability and stability of the abalone industry in south-eastern Australia. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for strategic research aimed at determining the likely vulnerability of fisheries to future AVG outbreaks and providing managers with the necessary tools for biosecuring wild and farmed stocks at regional, state and national scales.
The fact that some animals from AVG affected wild stocks survived the disease outbreak suggests they were either fortunate enough to have avoided coming into contact with the virus or are genetically resistant to the disease. A research program aimed at characterising AVG resistance in Australian wild abalone fisheries is expected to provide benefits to wild and farm fisheries at a national scale. If AVG resistance is present in wild abalone stocks, and its genetic basis can be characterised, there will be unique opportunities to:
1) Rapidly and cost-effectively screen stocks across all wild fisheries to determine the spatial prevalence of resistant genotypes and to gain an understanding of how biosecure wild abalone stocks are likely to be in the event of AVG re-emergence
2) Biosecure wild stocks through the movement of animals from ‘AVG resistant’ to ‘AVG vulnerable’ stocks as part of future restocking and translocation activities
3) Biosecure farm stocks across all states of Australia through the establishment of an AVG resistance breeding program
This project involves a direct partnership with AAGA, ACA and VFA and is expected to provide much needed insights into the vulnerability of abalone stocks to future AVG outbreaks, and the tools needed to bolster the biosecurity of wild and farmed abalone stocks. As a result, this project has the potential to dramatically improve the economic viability of this rapidly expanding industry.
Objectives: 1. This project will leverage the support of the abalone wild harvest and aquaculture industries, and the Victorian state government to determine if genetic resistance to the AVG virus persists in Australian wild blacklip abalone fisheries. This project will adopt state-of-the-art population genomic technologies to contrast genomic profiles of 350 individual abalone distributed across AVG affected and unaffected blacklip abalone stocks from Victorian Western and Central zone fisheries. Genomic variants differentiating animals from AVG affected and unaffected source stocks are expected to be indicative of a selective sweep and AVG resistance. Genomic variants associated with AVG resistance will act as the necessary markers for surveying the virus resilience/vulnerability of wild fishing stocks, and biosecuring wild fishing and farm stocks by providing a basis for a future virus resistance breeding program. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Determination Of Susceptibility Of Various Abalone Species And Populations To The Various Known AbHV Genotypes
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$207,118.00
Summary
With the emergence of AVG in in Victorian abalone in 2005/6, the subsequent discovery of several genetic variants of the causative agent, abalone herpesvirus (AbHV), associated with disease outbreaks in Tasmanian processing plants, and apparent variations in AbHV pathogenicity observed in different abalone species, there is the need to understand what factors promote disease in infected hosts. This project aims to address this knowledge gap and is relevant to all jurisdictions with abalone fishe ....With the emergence of AVG in in Victorian abalone in 2005/6, the subsequent discovery of several genetic variants of the causative agent, abalone herpesvirus (AbHV), associated with disease outbreaks in Tasmanian processing plants, and apparent variations in AbHV pathogenicity observed in different abalone species, there is the need to understand what factors promote disease in infected hosts. This project aims to address this knowledge gap and is relevant to all jurisdictions with abalone fisheries. Access to biosecure aquarium facilities, major abalone species and all known AbHV genotypes provides CSIRO-AAHL with a unique capability to investigate what factors influence disease outcomes following infection, including the nature of the AbHV genotype as well as abalone species or origins from locations spanning the primary wild fisheries in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. An improved understanding of the susceptibility of of abalone of different species and origins to infection by the various AbHV genotypes, and of whether different genotypes vary in their potential to transition from sub-clinical infection to acute disease is important for instructing fisheries and aquaculture policies and strategies to avoid disease, especially in aquaculture and abalone processing facilities. This project addresses specific priorities detailed in the current FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram R&D Plan (viz. 6.2.1 Nature of disease and host-pathogen interaction), priorities identified in the National Abalone Health Work Plan developed by a committee of national representatives following the second Abalone Virus Scientific and Management Forum held in Melbourne in 2007, and FRDC’s 2013 Annual Competitive Round Call for Expressions Of Interest (viz. Determining risk factors for AVG). Objectives: 1. Determine the susceptibility of greenlip, blacklip, hybrid and other readily available abalone species to abalone herpesvirus (AbHV) genotypes 2. Determine the complete genome sequences for AbHV Tas3 and Tas4 to gain insights into how and over what timeframe they have arisen, whether genetic recombination is contributing to this variation and which genome regions might affect virulence, as well as instructing on how diagnostic methods for their detection and diffferentiation can be refined. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Characterisation Of Abalone Herpes-like Virus Infections In Abalone
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$265,002.00
Summary
At the National Abalone Health Workplan Priority Setting Workshop held on 18 June 2008 in Melbourne, attended by representatives from DPI Victoria, SARDI, FRDC, VADA, TAC, EZAIA), AAGA, ACA, CSIRO, DPIW Tasmania, RecFish, DAFF and NSW DPI, it was agreed that to address the main epidemiological questions research should be focussed on 4 areas: 1) Development of diagnostics techniques with the highest priorities being: - Technique to isolate and concentrate the virus from abalone tissues ( ....At the National Abalone Health Workplan Priority Setting Workshop held on 18 June 2008 in Melbourne, attended by representatives from DPI Victoria, SARDI, FRDC, VADA, TAC, EZAIA), AAGA, ACA, CSIRO, DPIW Tasmania, RecFish, DAFF and NSW DPI, it was agreed that to address the main epidemiological questions research should be focussed on 4 areas: 1) Development of diagnostics techniques with the highest priorities being: - Technique to isolate and concentrate the virus from abalone tissues (addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - A rapid and specific diagnostic test-development of a validated PCR-test for the AVG virus (addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - Secondary diagnostic test (ISH development addressed in FRDC Project 2007/006) - Validation of diagnostic tests (partly addressed in proposed extension of FRDC Project 2007/006 (PCR) and this project (ISH validation)) - Rollout of diagnostic tests across the States (addressed in proposed extension of FRDC Project 2007/006) - Distribution of infective dose in tissues (to be addressed by this proposal) 2) Disease aetiology and transmission with the highest priorities being: - Other bio-vectors and abiotic factors (to be addressed by this proposal) - Determination of the susceptibility of remnant populations following exposure to AVG (to be addressed by this proposal) 3) Virus inactivation with the highest priorities being: - Determine the viability of the AVG virus, including disinfection efficacy; efficacy of treatments (to be addressed by this proposal) - Survival of the virus in seawater (to be addressed by this proposal) - Survival of the virus on fomites (to be addressed by this proposal) 4) Disease surveillance and modelling with the highest priorities being: - National survey of stocks to determine current distribution of the virus, including latency, and resistance status of stocks (partly addressed by this proposal) - Determine the mode(s) of spread of the AVG (not addressed) Objectives: 1. Validate the developed in situ hybridisation diagnostic test including roll out to other States 2. Develop a quantitative assay (qPCR) for determining infectious dose for this virus 3. Determine the sensitivity of the virus to physico-chemical conditions including its stability in water/on fomites and its sensitivity to inactivation agents 4. Determine the role of mucus in viral transmission 5. Determine whether a latent stage exists in AVG 6. Determine the susceptibility of remnant populations of abalone previously exposed to AVG and known unexposed wild populations in South Australia Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Investigations Into The Genetic Basis Of Resistance To Infection Of Abalone By The Abalone Herpes-like Virus
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$107,439.00
Summary
Of particular interest to both the aquaculture and wild capture industries is whether there are sub-populations of abalone that demonstrate some innate resistance to infection/disease or that are capable of developing resistance. Identification of these sub-populations could prove useful to both the farming and the wild-capture sector. In a controlled culture population it may be possible to breed for a more AVG-resistant population that would be able to respond better s ....Of particular interest to both the aquaculture and wild capture industries is whether there are sub-populations of abalone that demonstrate some innate resistance to infection/disease or that are capable of developing resistance. Identification of these sub-populations could prove useful to both the farming and the wild-capture sector. In a controlled culture population it may be possible to breed for a more AVG-resistant population that would be able to respond better should a disease outbreak occur. Potential AVG resistance between different wild populations could also be inferred since the parents of the farmed bred lines have come from different wild sources and we will be able to use knowledge of their ancestry to determine if there is any evidence for population differences. In addition, should any zones of the natural population be at low densities such that re-stocking either from cultured seed or by movement of natural stock from other zones be required, it will be critical to know if there is innate resistance prior to translocation of any stocks. If sub-populations in the wild are found to be more resistant and others more susceptible, this may influence management of these zones and restrict movement of stock within and between zones. If genetic resistance is identified in greenlips, the next step would be to confirm this in blacklips and hybrids, and then search for genetic markers associated with resistance/susceptibility to be able to identify individuals and sub-populations that are more resistant or susceptible. Moreover, this study will be the first examination of virus resistance in a gastropod and might provide us with information on future events. Identification of mechanisms of resistance to infection/disease was identified as a priority in the draft national abalone health work plan. Identification of resistant family line(s) would allow further research on mechanisms of resistance (future proposal). Objectives: 1. Determine whether there is genetic variation in susceptibility to abalone viral ganglioneuritis in abalone family lines. (If genetic resistance is identified in specific family line(s), a subsequent proposal will be submitted.) Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund - Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Disease Risk Assessment For Abalone Stock Enhancement Program
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$67,000.00
Summary
Abalone stock enhancement remains one of the few viable alternatives for increasing the profitability and biomass of a fishery without compromising the current fishery in terms of access or allowable catches. Economically viable stock enhancement could provide the fishery with stock numbers towards virgin levels, thus increasing catch rates and ultimately economic efficiency and profitability. However, there is a need for a project to develop the R&D that will create a commercially viable stock ....Abalone stock enhancement remains one of the few viable alternatives for increasing the profitability and biomass of a fishery without compromising the current fishery in terms of access or allowable catches. Economically viable stock enhancement could provide the fishery with stock numbers towards virgin levels, thus increasing catch rates and ultimately economic efficiency and profitability. However, there is a need for a project to develop the R&D that will create a commercially viable stock enhancement industry. This is the subject of a current Seafood CRC project (2010/784 - Commercialisation of abalone stock enhancement).
Prior to the commercialisation the industry wants to understand the biosecurity risks of the larger scale stock enhancement project; in other words to weigh up the potential economic gains against biosecurity risks. The recent AVG outbreak in Tasmania highlighted the requirement for industry to be vigilant regarding potential disease vectors.
In order to protect the valuable abalone industry from potential biosecurity threats, there is a need to undertake a risk assessment to quantify raw and residual risks associated with commercialization of abalone stock enhancement. Although being carried out in WA, this risk assessment has national significance to the abalone industry.
Objectives: 1. Independent risk assessment of the raw biosecurity risks posed by the commercial scale abalone stock enhancement. 2. Independent risk assessment of the residual biosecurity risks posed by the commercial scale abalone stock enhancement, following staged implementation of risk mitigation measures (note: mitigation measures are to be defined in detail) Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD: Antiviral Activity And Resistance To Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
In late 2005, a sudden mass mortality in abalone resulting from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) occurred almost simultaneously on three abalone farms in Victoria. In May 2006, AVG was detected in wild stocks along the Victorian coast near one of the infected farms (Appleford, 2006). The outbreak in wild populations has subsequently been detected in both directions along the Victorian coast. A control zone was established to prevent movement of abalone, other invertebrates and fishing gear in ....In late 2005, a sudden mass mortality in abalone resulting from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) occurred almost simultaneously on three abalone farms in Victoria. In May 2006, AVG was detected in wild stocks along the Victorian coast near one of the infected farms (Appleford, 2006). The outbreak in wild populations has subsequently been detected in both directions along the Victorian coast. A control zone was established to prevent movement of abalone, other invertebrates and fishing gear in and out of the infected area. Nevertheless, the virus has now spread beyond the control zone (Appleford, 2006; Handlinger, 2007). This presents an enormous threat to the lucrative commercial abalone fishery in Victoria and South Australia, as the range of the virus is currently nearing the South Australian border. Due to the difficulty in containing invasive pathogens in the marine environment, the outbreak of AVG in wild abalone populations is considered to be an issue of national concern.
In a recent report to industry on the research priorities related to the AVG outbreak, Handlinger (2007) identified the need to understand host-virus interactions and the host response. Handlinger (2007) further highlights the need for effective disease surveillance in both the wild and farming abalone sectors, as well as the need to establish health status as part of the family lines program, particularly with respect to the movement of broodstock. This requires the effective identification of infected abalone, including those sub-clinically infected and which harbor persistent virus. Consequently, investigation into the host antiviral response to AVG is timely and worthwhile to help ensure the ongoing economic viability of abalone industries faced with sudden mass mortality events from viral outbreaks.Read moreRead less