White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) Preparedness For Biosecurity Awareness And Adoption Of Best Practice By The NSW And QLD Wild Catch Commercial Fishers - Understanding What Extension Pathways Work Best
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$84,000.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop appropriate extension material to reduce the risk of spread of WSSV from the control zone to the non control zones in QLD and NSW. 2. To quantify best extension practice for biosecurity for the commercial wild catch fishers. 3. To, where possible, utilise existing extension material developed by Biosecurity Queensland for the commercial wild catch fishery.
Airway Inflammometry For Asthma And COPD: Practitioner Fellowship Peter G Gibson
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will receive the benefits of personalized medicine with this Fellowship funding. Dr Gibson, an international leader in this field, has identified key biomarkers that will allow treatments to be rationalized based on the underlying disease mechanisms. This research will translate the benefits on modern technology and apply these to individualized care for people with asthma and COPD, who can expect fewer lung attacks and better quality of life.
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Enhancing The Emergency Disease Response Capability Of WA Department Of Fisheries And Industry Bodies Associated With Freshwater Crayfish Culture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$22,161.00
Summary
Relatively few major disease events have occurred within the WA aquaculture industries and as a result there has not been an opportunity for an integrated multi-agency approach, though one has been developed on paper. To date, emergencies have been dealt with on an add-hoc basis and no large-scale containment or eradication programs have been undertaken with respect to aquatic animal diseases. The Department has also been fortunate that the remote and isolated nature of most of WA has not se ....Relatively few major disease events have occurred within the WA aquaculture industries and as a result there has not been an opportunity for an integrated multi-agency approach, though one has been developed on paper. To date, emergencies have been dealt with on an add-hoc basis and no large-scale containment or eradication programs have been undertaken with respect to aquatic animal diseases. The Department has also been fortunate that the remote and isolated nature of most of WA has not seriously affected the limited emergencies so far experienced, though considerable difficulties were experienced in collecting samples during the 2001 White Spot scare. It follows that relatively little experience in handling such emergencies currently exists within the Department of Fisheries, WA. Simulation exercises provide a practical method of exposing and training staff in the management of aquatic disease emergencies.The need can be summarized as follows: 1. Both government and industries have limited experience with real emergencies. 2. Though there is a cohesive management strategy setting out the roles and responsibilities of individuals and agencies involved, it is untested. 3. The limited number of emergencies has lead to industry and agency complacency about the risks of disease introduction and the potential effects. 4. The linkages between all stakeholders on a national disease aquaculture event have not been tested. This exercise will test a national response as well as a local response. The freshwater crayfish industry in Western Australia is very keen to conduct the exercise and integrate the products from N Buller and F Stephens. Objectives: 1. To examine and test the skills and abilities of the participants in-group problem solving and decision making skills relating to emergency response procedures. 2. To increase participant’s knowledge of communication routes to be used in an emergency disease response by working through a scenario which mimics a real emergency situation.To increase participant’s knowledge of communication routes to be used in an emergency disease response by working through a scenario which mimics a real emergency situation. 3. To clearly define the roles within and between the various agencies involved and how they fit within the WA Emergency plan and AQUAPLAN frameworks. 4. To improve participants ability to manage tasks by prioritizing a number of competing demands during the operational phase of an emergency response. 5. To increase participants understanding of the operational procedures in the Disease Emergency Response. 6. To familiarize participants with operational practices on freshwater crayfish farms of varying production technology (extensive and semi-intensive). 7. To identify key areas for improvement in emergency management procedures across a range of subjects including planning, communication, staffing and resourcing. 8. To document an emergency response plan that can be implemented by all stakeholders. 9. To familiarize all stakeholders including AFFA staff with the problems inherent in managing a disease in Cherax species that exist across Australia. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Enhancing The Emergency Disease Response Capability Of WA Department Of Fisheries And Industry Bodies Associated With Freshwater Crayfish Culture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$22,161.00
Summary
Relatively few major disease events have occurred within the WA aquaculture industries and as a result there has not been an opportunity for an integrated multi-agency approach, though one has been developed on paper. To date, emergencies have been dealt with on an add-hoc basis and no large-scale containment or eradication programs have been undertaken with respect to aquatic animal diseases. The Department has also been fortunate that the remote and isolated nature of most of WA has not se ....Relatively few major disease events have occurred within the WA aquaculture industries and as a result there has not been an opportunity for an integrated multi-agency approach, though one has been developed on paper. To date, emergencies have been dealt with on an add-hoc basis and no large-scale containment or eradication programs have been undertaken with respect to aquatic animal diseases. The Department has also been fortunate that the remote and isolated nature of most of WA has not seriously affected the limited emergencies so far experienced, though considerable difficulties were experienced in collecting samples during the 2001 White Spot scare. It follows that relatively little experience in handling such emergencies currently exists within the Department of Fisheries, WA. Simulation exercises provide a practical method of exposing and training staff in the management of aquatic disease emergencies.The need can be summarized as follows: 1. Both government and industries have limited experience with real emergencies. 2. Though there is a cohesive management strategy setting out the roles and responsibilities of individuals and agencies involved, it is untested. 3. The limited number of emergencies has lead to industry and agency complacency about the risks of disease introduction and the potential effects. 4. The linkages between all stakeholders on a national disease aquaculture event have not been tested. This exercise will test a national response as well as a local response. The freshwater crayfish industry in Western Australia is very keen to conduct the exercise and integrate the products from N Buller and F Stephens. Objectives: 1. To examine and test the skills and abilities of the participants in-group problem solving and decision making skills relating to emergency response procedures. 2. To increase participant’s knowledge of communication routes to be used in an emergency disease response by working through a scenario which mimics a real emergency situation.To increase participant’s knowledge of communication routes to be used in an emergency disease response by working through a scenario which mimics a real emergency situation. 3. To clearly define the roles within and between the various agencies involved and how they fit within the WA Emergency plan and AQUAPLAN frameworks. 4. To improve participants ability to manage tasks by prioritizing a number of competing demands during the operational phase of an emergency response. 5. To increase participants understanding of the operational procedures in the Disease Emergency Response. 6. To familiarize participants with operational practices on freshwater crayfish farms of varying production technology (extensive and semi-intensive). 7. To identify key areas for improvement in emergency management procedures across a range of subjects including planning, communication, staffing and resourcing. 8. To document an emergency response plan that can be implemented by all stakeholders. 9. To familiarize all stakeholders including AFFA staff with the problems inherent in managing a disease in Cherax species that exist across Australia. Read moreRead less
Optimising Heart Disease Prevention And Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,647,175.00
Summary
As we become older and risk factors such as obesity become more common, our biggest contributor to death and disability, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease), will continue to exert an enormous burden on our health care system and society. We will extend our ground-breaking research on multidisciplinary teams to create new and innovative health care programs to optimise the prevention and management of new heart disease and chronic forms of heart disease.
Prawn Superpowers Summit - Enhancing Awareness Of Emergency Aquatic Animal Disease Response Arrangements For The Australian Prawn Farming Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$13,626.00
Summary
The Australian prawn farming sector is a significant contributor to regional economies, particularly in Queensland. The viability of the industry is contingent on maintaining its relatively disease-free status with respect to major viral diseases which have been documented to cause wide-spread losses in shrimp culture internationally. Ongoing vigilance is essential to ensure that Australia does not become another of the countries to become infected by important viruses such as white spot. Indust ....The Australian prawn farming sector is a significant contributor to regional economies, particularly in Queensland. The viability of the industry is contingent on maintaining its relatively disease-free status with respect to major viral diseases which have been documented to cause wide-spread losses in shrimp culture internationally. Ongoing vigilance is essential to ensure that Australia does not become another of the countries to become infected by important viruses such as white spot. Industry awareness is acknowledged as a key component of the passive surveillance for exotic diseases. The workshop will assist in raising the awareness of the risks, and the processes which are in place to prevent, and control emergency diseases should they occur. The workshop will provide an opportunity for industry to identify any improvements in the current system and communicate these issues to Government agencies.
There has been widespread, severe outbreaks of WSSV internationally this year. 24 April 2011 - Saudi Arabia 23 September 2011 - Mozambique 3 October 2011 - Mexico 30th November - Brazil 4 December 2011 - Saudi Arabia - Jazan
The above combined with a Biosecurity breach September 2010, where a shipment of prawns infected with WSSV were mistakenly released into the market place - means that prawn farmers must be ever vigilant in ensuring that our industry remains free from WSSV and other exotic and domestic diseases. Objectives: 1. Raise awareness of prawn diseases and emerging disease risks entering Australia 2. Identify and understand the processes in place to respond to emergency diseases should they occur 3. Indentify any improvements in the current system and communicate these issues to industry and Government agencies 4. Working together to ensure preparedness to respond to disease risks in Australia Read moreRead less
Determination Of The Disease Status Of Western Australian Commercial Prawn Stocks
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$140,105.00
Summary
1) TO REINFORCE THE TRANSLOCATION POLICY Western Australia has approved a number of applications to farm prawns and there is increasing pressure to import postlarvae from Queensland. Also, prawn farms using local stock are being developed in areas adjacent to wild stock fisheries.
The disease risks are, therefore, two-fold: from introduced diseases and from endemic diseases which may be amplified through aquaculture hatchery and growout operations. Both situations can pose increas ....1) TO REINFORCE THE TRANSLOCATION POLICY Western Australia has approved a number of applications to farm prawns and there is increasing pressure to import postlarvae from Queensland. Also, prawn farms using local stock are being developed in areas adjacent to wild stock fisheries.
The disease risks are, therefore, two-fold: from introduced diseases and from endemic diseases which may be amplified through aquaculture hatchery and growout operations. Both situations can pose increased risks to wild stocks in adjacent waters and to the aquaculture ventures themselves.
There is almost no data available on the health status of existing prawn stocks within WA on which to base translocation decisions and disease management plans, other than the knowledge that virus diseases do occur. Whether aquaculture of prawns in WA is economically viable or not, the translocation of prawns from Queensland will result in the introduction of diseases with potential to affect both the disease status of the State and impact on the wild fishery. The prawn trawl industry was worth ca. $30 million in 1993-94.
However, the Fisheries Department of WA does not wish to hamper the development of farms by imposing unnecessary restrictions on translocation and further, under international and domestic guidelines, movements can only be prevented on disease grounds if surveys have actually confirmed a disease-free status. Absence of information is not a valid reason to prevent movements.
2) TO PROTECT THE DISEASE STATUS OF THE WILD STOCK FISHERY Stocks of prawns off the north coast of Western Australia have not yet been exposed to introductions of prawns from other states or from overseas. They are, therefore, of great value commercially both for the production of specific pathogen free and for high-salinity stock. This potential market is being put at risk by the importation of prawn postlarvae for ongrowing with its potential to also import prawn viruses. Though steps are taken to minimise the risk of inadvertent spread of diseases to the local wild populations, overseas experience has shown that disease spread eventually occurs. We also know very little about the existing virus diseases and their impact on the wild fishery, and relationship to viruses elsewhere in Australia. Objectives: 1. Detect and document the serious diseases and significant pathogens of wild penaeids in Western Australia 2. Develop a database of disease, location and prevalence that can assist both government and industry in making informed decisions about translocation of stock Read moreRead less