ABFA IPA: An Assessment Of The Risk Of Exotic Disease Introduction And Spread Among Australian Barramundi Farms From The Importation Of Barramundi Products
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC. Objectives: Commercial in confidence
Future Oysters CRC-P: Polymicrobial Involvement In OsHV Outbreaks (and Other Diseases)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$342,200.00
Summary
During the last two decades a number of disease outbreaks have led to mass oyster mortalities and the closure of several oyster-harvesting regions, resulting in multi-million dollar losses. These outbreaks mirror a global pattern of increased aquaculture disease, with disease emergence potentially linked to environmental degradation (pollution) and climate change related processes, such as rising seawater temperature. Within NSW estuaries, multiple microbiological agents have been implicated in ....During the last two decades a number of disease outbreaks have led to mass oyster mortalities and the closure of several oyster-harvesting regions, resulting in multi-million dollar losses. These outbreaks mirror a global pattern of increased aquaculture disease, with disease emergence potentially linked to environmental degradation (pollution) and climate change related processes, such as rising seawater temperature. Within NSW estuaries, multiple microbiological agents have been implicated in oyster diseases, but a clear understanding of the ecological and environmental drivers of disease outbreaks has remained elusive. This means we cannot predict when outbreaks will occur, making it very difficult to manage infection events and develop strategies to mitigate future oyster disease events.
Since 2008, Pacific Oyster fisheries in several parts of the world have been decimated by the influence of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), resulting in high (>95%) rates of juvenile oyster mortality. Recent evidence indicates that POMS is a polymicrobial syndrome, that is not only caused by the OsHV-1 virus, but includes the involvement of pathogenic bacteria from the Vibrio genus, a bacterial group comprising species that cause disease in a diverse range of marine animals and which is responsible for significant mortality in a variety of aquaculture industries. However, our understanding of this complex interaction is limited.
This project will provide valuable insights into the microbial communities associated with oysters, how those communities vary and how they might influence the course of other diseases. The project will also indicate whether breeding influences the microbial communities associated with oysters and whether this is influencing the impact diseases like OsHV is having on different Pacific oyster families.
Objectives: 1. Define microbial communities associated with oysters and identify threats 2. Link changes in environmental conditions to changing microbial communities 3. Better understand the association between microbial communities and disease Read moreRead less
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
Understanding Of Spatial Extent, Infection Window And Potential Alternative Hosts For The Oyster Disease QX In Port Stephens
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,000.00
Summary
QX disease was detected in Sydney Rock Oysters (SRO) for the first time in Port Stephens, NSW's second-largest oyster producing estuary, in August 2021. In areas where QX occurs, stock losses of up to 90% can be observed in a single outbreak. QX, caused by the parasite Marteilia sydneyi, is a seasonal disease that has a defined period in which infection occurs, usually in late summer. Further, the impacts of QX vary spatially within an estuary, with areas prone to low salinity and with a smalle ....QX disease was detected in Sydney Rock Oysters (SRO) for the first time in Port Stephens, NSW's second-largest oyster producing estuary, in August 2021. In areas where QX occurs, stock losses of up to 90% can be observed in a single outbreak. QX, caused by the parasite Marteilia sydneyi, is a seasonal disease that has a defined period in which infection occurs, usually in late summer. Further, the impacts of QX vary spatially within an estuary, with areas prone to low salinity and with a smaller sediment size typically the worst affected. In larger estuaries, such as the Georges River, it has been possible to manage the impacts of QX disease through the use of selectively bred QX resistant oysters that are deployed at times and locations which maximise their survival. However, this varies between estuaries and defining the "window" of infection and the spatial extent to which the disease is occurring is vital to ongoing farming of SROs in affected areas. QX differs from some other diseases, in that it is not transmitted directly from oyster to oyster, but requires an intermediate host. Knowing what other hosts the parasite infects and where they occur is also important in understanding and managing the disease. As QX is seasonal and is currently active in Port Stephens, now is the time to be sampling oyster populations and to look for which other species in the Port are harbouring the parasite. Undertaking this sampling and processing now will provide vital information for managing oyster stocks in coming seasons. Given the comparatively slow growth rate of SROs many farmers will not be able to sustain losses at their current rate and it is critical we have this information before August and farmers begin to source and deploy stocks for their next crop.
Objectives: 1. Complete analysis of all samples collected in the 2022 QX survey 2. Undertake additional sampling of oysters introduced to Port Stephens to better define the window of infection 3. Collect additional oyster and biota samples to expand our knowledge of the secondary host. 4. Develop a template for an ongoing longitudinal sampling program to address industry questions regarding QX disease. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Molecular Diagnostic Tests To Detect Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (aphanomyces Invadens), And Crayfish Plague (Aphanomyces Astaci)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$162,049.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop a sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomyces invadens, based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for use with fresh or dead tissue samples. 2. Develop a sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomhyces astaci, based on the PCR for use with fresh or dead tissue samples. 3. Develop a rapid molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomyces invadens, based on the technique of f ....Objectives: 1. Develop a sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomyces invadens, based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for use with fresh or dead tissue samples. 2. Develop a sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomhyces astaci, based on the PCR for use with fresh or dead tissue samples. 3. Develop a rapid molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomyces invadens, based on the technique of fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH), which allows visualization of the fungus direct from lesion smears or culture material within one hour. 4. Develop rapid molecular diagnostic test for the detection of aphanomyces astaci, based on the technique of fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), which allows visualisation of the fungus direct from lesion smears or culture material within one hour. 5. Transfer of this technology in the form of a kit for initial distribution and evaluation to selected laboratories. 6. Write up Australian Standard Diagnostic Technique for EUS, and update the ASDT for Crayfish Plague based on the above tests and in the format supplied by AFFA. 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: Pilchard Herpesvirus Infection In Wild Pilchards
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$283,659.00
Summary
This proposal seeks to continue the work begun at AAHL and Department of Fisheries. There is a need to independently validate the available tools from Western Australia and AAHL and to put them to use in elucidating the biology of the virus, including a survey of wild pilchards for the virus. This is especially important as a number of modeling papers have made inferences about the latency and infectivity of the virus which need to be verified. There is also a need to continue the sequencing of ....This proposal seeks to continue the work begun at AAHL and Department of Fisheries. There is a need to independently validate the available tools from Western Australia and AAHL and to put them to use in elucidating the biology of the virus, including a survey of wild pilchards for the virus. This is especially important as a number of modeling papers have made inferences about the latency and infectivity of the virus which need to be verified. There is also a need to continue the sequencing of the viral genome which has been carried out both at AAHL and in WA, in order to design more specific tools and also to compare the virus obtained in 1995 with that collected in 1998. This work was identified as a national priority in 1998 and the need has not diminished. It was also recognised by the JPSWG, from the outset, that progress would be slow. Objectives: 1. To improve the sensitive and specific diagnostic assays (polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and in situ hybridization (ISH) which are based on current limited sequence data. This will include the generation of further sequence data from the available stocks of virus. 2. To independently establish the sensitivity and specificity of the PCRs and ISH at other laboratories, including AAHL. 3. To then investigate basic aspects of the virus and the disease eg. the tissue distribution of virus in infected fish, and the correlation between disease in fish and the presence of virus. 4. To survey wild pilchard populations to determine whether the virus is still currently detectable and causing disease. 5. To compare the herpesvirus strains from 1995 & 1998, and to compare, at the molecular level, this herpesvirus and this disease with two other similar herpesvirus fish diseases which have been reported elsewhere in the world. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of Improved Procedures For The Identification Of Aquatic Birnaviruses
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$153,194.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Import a range of aquatic birnaviruses which are representative of the most important strains. 2. Evaluate the range of birnavirus specific PCR primers which are currently available for their ability o act as generic primers, capable of detecting any aquatic birnavirus; differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic isolates and specifically identify the MH aquatic birnavirus. 3. Following evaluation, select or develop a standard set of PCR primers which are panspec ....Objectives: 1. Import a range of aquatic birnaviruses which are representative of the most important strains. 2. Evaluate the range of birnavirus specific PCR primers which are currently available for their ability o act as generic primers, capable of detecting any aquatic birnavirus; differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic isolates and specifically identify the MH aquatic birnavirus. 3. Following evaluation, select or develop a standard set of PCR primers which are panspecific for aquatic birnaviruses. Validate immunodiagnostic procedures (immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical tests) for the detection and identification of aquatic binaviruses in cell cultures and in histological sections. 4. Develop a set of PCR primers which are specific for the MH aquatic birnavirus isolate. 5. Evaluate the ability of newly developed PCR primers to distinguish between pathogenic aquatic birnaviruses. 6. Evaluate the ability of newly developed PCR primers to, not only identify cell culture isolates of viruses, but also identify birnaviruses in infected fish tissues. Read moreRead less
The Development Of A Dry, Pathogen Free, Water Stable, Lobster Bait - Investigation Into Operational Parameters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,407.27
Summary
The bait used in the Western Rock Lobster industry consists largely of frozen fish of which 18,000 Tonnes are used annually. Of this, 15,000 Tonnes are imported and consist of Sardines, Blue Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, Herring and Australian Salmon (from New Zealand). The lobster season is from 15th November to 30th June and most of the fish used must be stored frozen to meet the seasonal demand. Apart from the cost of the bait per se there are significant costs in transporting the bait to the p ....The bait used in the Western Rock Lobster industry consists largely of frozen fish of which 18,000 Tonnes are used annually. Of this, 15,000 Tonnes are imported and consist of Sardines, Blue Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, Herring and Australian Salmon (from New Zealand). The lobster season is from 15th November to 30th June and most of the fish used must be stored frozen to meet the seasonal demand. Apart from the cost of the bait per se there are significant costs in transporting the bait to the pots and a significant level of wastage, as bait, once thawed, cannot be re-frozen.
In order for the bait which has been developed, to become a realistic and reliable proposition for commercial manufacture, elements of its formulation, shape and processing technique need to be further defined. Objectives: 1. To determine the optimum level of key additives, while maintaining acceptable water stability. 2. To determine the optimum shape and size parameters for commercial bait. 3. To determine the optimum processing conditions, with particular regard to bait shape and size, and microbiological performance. Read moreRead less