Exploring The Occurrence And Potential Associated Risk Factors For Pilchard Orthomyxovirus (POMV) In Tasmanian Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,295.62
Summary
Following basic epidemiology principles, no infectious disease occurs ‘randomly’ and its occurrence follow logical and predictable patterns. The presence of an infectious agent is unlikely sufficient to explain these patterns and most aquatic diseases result from the complex interaction between the agent, the host and its environment. Therefore, the targeted outcome for a POMV control plan is threefold: 1. Decrease transmission between infected and susceptible fish groups – this requires ide ....Following basic epidemiology principles, no infectious disease occurs ‘randomly’ and its occurrence follow logical and predictable patterns. The presence of an infectious agent is unlikely sufficient to explain these patterns and most aquatic diseases result from the complex interaction between the agent, the host and its environment. Therefore, the targeted outcome for a POMV control plan is threefold: 1. Decrease transmission between infected and susceptible fish groups – this requires identifying risk factors associated with the introduction, spread, and maintenance of the pathogen within the industry; 2. Decrease the number of susceptible fish – this mainly requires identifying risk factors associated with the susceptibility of the host (e.g. husbandry-related stress) and the development of a safe and effective prophylaxis; 3. Decrease the amount of virus in the environment - this requires detecting infected fish cage(s) early to implement timely control strategies. Diagnostic capacity to confirmed POMV outbreak has been developed and is currently used in routine by the industry. A vaccine against POMV is currently under development at the Tasmanian Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccines Centre of Excellence and will be available in the future. However, little is known about risk factors specific to POMV and about its full economic impact. We define as a ‘risk factor’ any attribute of the agent, the host or its environment that increases the risk and intensity of a disease outbreak. Most of the environmental risk factors (including farming practices) facilitate the introduction, transmission, or maintenance of the pathogen; while the host risk factors affect the susceptibility of the host and its capacity to become diseased. Like the closely related ISAv, the magnitude and occurrence of POMV outbreaks appeared to be highly variable. This supports the existence of additional factors other than the POMV infection that contribute to the intensity of an outbreak. It is anticipated that by identifying and intervening on some of the manageable risk factors, the frequency and the severity of POMV outbreaks can be reduced. Objectives: 1. Describe the occurrence of POMV outbreaks in the Tasmanian salmon industry 2. Quantify the direct financial impact of POMV mortality to the Tasmanian salmon industry 3. Identify potential management, environmental and stock risk factors directly or indirectly increasing the risk and intensity of a POMV outbreaks Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health And Biosecurity Coordination Program: Strategic Planning, Project Management And Adoption
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$605,748.56
Summary
Australia’s aquatic animals are free from many diseases that occur overseas, providing us with a competitive advantage in both production and trade. Australian aquaculture has grown from an industry valued at AU$260 million in 1993 to an industry valued at AU$1.6 billion in 2020 (ABARES, 2021). This dramatic growth has been accompanied by the emergence of new diseases/infectious agents, e.g., NNV since 1989, Bonamia since 1992, OOD since 2006, OsHV since 2010, POMV since 2012, new YHV genotypes ....Australia’s aquatic animals are free from many diseases that occur overseas, providing us with a competitive advantage in both production and trade. Australian aquaculture has grown from an industry valued at AU$260 million in 1993 to an industry valued at AU$1.6 billion in 2020 (ABARES, 2021). This dramatic growth has been accompanied by the emergence of new diseases/infectious agents, e.g., NNV since 1989, Bonamia since 1992, OOD since 2006, OsHV since 2010, POMV since 2012, new YHV genotypes since 2013, PMMS since 2015 and WSD since 2016, all of which threaten the sustainability of major aquaculture enterprises. Consequently, the need for health research to support this expanding sector is also growing. The wild-harvest, recreational, Indigenous and ornamental sectors are also under threat; e.g., crayfish plague, Edwardsiella ictaluri in catfish, Perkinsus in oysters, WSD in crustacea and gourami iridovirus in a range of finfish species pose significant risks.
Thus, identification and prioritisation of aquatic animal health and biosecurity research and capacity building needs to be coordinated across all aquatic sectors to ensure synergy while avoiding duplication. FRDC, through AAHBRCP, plays a major role in addressing research needs and training in aquatic animal health and biosecurity and is able to direct funding priorities to the most pressing areas. AAHBRCP provides a cohesive national approach to FRDC-supported R&D by providing leadership, direction and focus for health R&D and other related non-R&D activities. According to an external review of AAHBRCP undertaken in 2015 the consensus among major stakeholders was that AAHBRCP provides an essential service for the aquatic animal sector. Given the success of the AAHBRCP there is a need to continue it as a means of providing the service with consideration given to adjustments (reflected in this proposal) to enhance the service it provides for the evolving needs of Australia’s seafood industry, public policy and program needs
Objectives: 1. In consultation with key stakeholders (industry, government, aquatic animal health providers and industry representatives) identify and prioritise R&D needed to deliver national, jurisdictional and industry sector aquatic animal health and biosecurity related planning objectives 2. Promote and manage aquatic animal health and biosecurity training and capacity building 3. Facilitate the dissemination of outputs (information and results) from R&D projects to key stakeholders 4. Through the biannual AAHBRCP scientific conference, cultivate research community collaboration, engagement, and foster early career researchers. Read moreRead less
Development Of Molecular Detection Methods For Myxosporean Parasites Infecting Yellowtail Kingfish And Mahi Mahi
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$393,002.00
Summary
Soft flesh due to infection with myxosporean parasites irreversibly reduces the quality and market value of fish. Due to the delayed onset of the condition, infected fish can reach the consumer before soft flesh is detected, causing wastage, economic losses to affected fishers, and loss of consumer confidence.
Rapid onsite detection of myxosporean infection is vital to maximise value of landed fish, minimise environmental impacts associated with animal protein wastage, and increase prod ....Soft flesh due to infection with myxosporean parasites irreversibly reduces the quality and market value of fish. Due to the delayed onset of the condition, infected fish can reach the consumer before soft flesh is detected, causing wastage, economic losses to affected fishers, and loss of consumer confidence.
Rapid onsite detection of myxosporean infection is vital to maximise value of landed fish, minimise environmental impacts associated with animal protein wastage, and increase productivity for NSW commercial fishers, NSW fishers cooperatives and relevant fish markets.
This project focuses on outcome 2 of FRDC’s R&D plan – best practices and production systems. Fast and accurate detection of pathogens help industry identify risks faster and make informed decisions to refine and optimise best practices and production systems. There will be several benefits and impacts on society, environment, and the economy, including:
Society - fisheries productivity affects livelihoods of people working in the industry and its associated sectors - healthy and sustainable food resources Environment - reduce wastage Economic - increasing productivity through higher yields and higher market value - enhancing food/protein production improves food security and creates more employment opportunities Objectives: 1. To develop and evaluate PCR-based diagnostic tools for quantitative detection of myxosporeans in Mahi Mahi and Yellowtail Kingfish 2. To develop and evaluate in situ diagnostic tools for quantitative detection of myxosporeans in Mahi Mahi and Yellowtail Kingfish Read moreRead less
Assess The Future Needs Of Australia's Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic System
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$342,866.00
Summary
Global and domestic trends in aquatic animal production and trade indicate that Australia will increasingly require agile, strong, and modern diagnostic systems to effectively manage disease risks (AQUAPLAN, 2022). To strengthen and support the aquatic animal diagnostic network we need to thoroughly understand future industry needs – which are rapidly evolving.
This project seeks to forecast diagnostic needs and understand the changing demands for aquatic animal health diagnostic servi ....Global and domestic trends in aquatic animal production and trade indicate that Australia will increasingly require agile, strong, and modern diagnostic systems to effectively manage disease risks (AQUAPLAN, 2022). To strengthen and support the aquatic animal diagnostic network we need to thoroughly understand future industry needs – which are rapidly evolving.
This project seeks to forecast diagnostic needs and understand the changing demands for aquatic animal health diagnostic services in Australia. For example, activities such as the safe translocation of stock between states, the establishment of specific pathogen free (SPF) broodstock, point-of-care-testing, emerging production diseases and increasing requirements from trading partners, will all require robust diagnostic technologies that are reliable, fit-for-purpose and accessible within the diagnostic network.
To forecast diagnostic requirements, we propose the following key activities, including a workshop (if required). The workshop is a STOP-GO point in our project and the decision to go ahead will be established in consultation with a project Steering Committee. The main activities in this project include:
1. Establishment of a Steering Committee and Terms of Reference to assist with milestone reporting and project oversight.
2. Generation of a map of the current operators and regulators of the diagnostic network for aquatic animal health in Australia.
3. Stakeholder consultation. This will be conducted incrementally through key informant interviews with the following stakeholder groups:
I. Stage 1. Members of SCAAH representing each State and Territory to identity their future needs, and further key informants. II. Stage 2A. Diagnostic service providers (Government and private veterinary laboratories identified by SCAAH) to provide insight into current diagnostic services capabilities/capacity and identify future needs. III. Stage 2B. End-users of the diagnostic network and regulators (identified by SCAAH and the research team) to provide insight into current diagnostic needs and challenges and identify future needs.
4. Scoping review of existing and novel diagnostic technologies relevant to aquatic animal health (to be conducted in parallel to the stakeholder consultation process).
5. A workshop (STOP-GO point) with key stakeholders to discuss specific needs identified in Activity 3
6. A Final Report presenting a roadmap to guide the implementation and adoption of future diagnostic needs.
Our final report and roadmap will inform priority areas for investment in the diagnostic system and provide advice to regulators. Areas for investment could include additional research and development, and upskilling of veterinary practitioners and laboratory diagnosticians. A schematic diagram of the project proposal is presented in the Appendix.
As per AQUAPLAN’s vision, this project is an exceptional opportunity to bring together a network of collaborators across multiple disciplines and sectors to support sustainable industry growth. Objectives: 1. Undertake stakeholder consultation to inform future demands on the diagnostic system over the next 5 to 10 years considering the current diagnostic landscape, and the emergence of new diagnostic needs and technologies. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100197
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,000.00
Summary
In one zeptosecond: quantifying energy dissipation in heavy element fusion. This project aims to understand the process of energy dissipation in superheavy element fusion reactions. Using state-of-the art facilities unique to Australia, the first detailed measurements of the crucial early stages of these reactions will be made. This is expected to generate significant fundamental knowledge on why some superheavy element fusion reactions succeed, and why others fail. The outcomes are expected to ....In one zeptosecond: quantifying energy dissipation in heavy element fusion. This project aims to understand the process of energy dissipation in superheavy element fusion reactions. Using state-of-the art facilities unique to Australia, the first detailed measurements of the crucial early stages of these reactions will be made. This is expected to generate significant fundamental knowledge on why some superheavy element fusion reactions succeed, and why others fail. The outcomes are expected to significantly advance the fundamental understanding of nuclear reactions, and provide key guidance to international opportunities to create new superheavy elements and isotopes. Expected benefits include improving cancer treatments, understanding element abundance in the universe and improved safety in nuclear technologies.Read moreRead less
Real-time imaging of crystal strengthening mechanisms in metals. The strength limit of a metal is marked by rapid motion of crystalline defects. The associated speeds can locally approach that of sound. To probe the associated mechanisms clearly requires both spatial and temporal resolution. We propose to create a new bulk x-ray technique with an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution. We plan to exploit the technique to mediate a step change in modelling strength based on ....Real-time imaging of crystal strengthening mechanisms in metals. The strength limit of a metal is marked by rapid motion of crystalline defects. The associated speeds can locally approach that of sound. To probe the associated mechanisms clearly requires both spatial and temporal resolution. We propose to create a new bulk x-ray technique with an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution. We plan to exploit the technique to mediate a step change in modelling strength based on twinning. The formation of crystalline twins is known to dictate the strength of the light metal magnesium. A fuller understanding of the effect of twinning on strength in this metal will provide much needed confidence to implement it more widely in energy saving applications.Read moreRead less
X-ray Ghost Imaging and Tomography. This project aims to achieve safer, faster, and cheaper 3D X-ray imaging through a technique known as ghost imaging. X-ray imaging provides valuable information about internal structures, however, X-rays are carcinogenic and exposure (or dose) should be limited. Ghost imaging is an unconventional technique developed with visible light that has many potential benefits over conventional imaging. This research group are world leaders in ghost imaging and expect t ....X-ray Ghost Imaging and Tomography. This project aims to achieve safer, faster, and cheaper 3D X-ray imaging through a technique known as ghost imaging. X-ray imaging provides valuable information about internal structures, however, X-rays are carcinogenic and exposure (or dose) should be limited. Ghost imaging is an unconventional technique developed with visible light that has many potential benefits over conventional imaging. This research group are world leaders in ghost imaging and expect to develop software and hardware techniques to realise its potential and extend it to ghost tomography. The focus of this project is on reducing cancer risk in medical imaging, and allowing real-time quality control for 3D printing in safety-critical industries such as aerospace.Read moreRead less
Quantum thermalisation: a new framework for nuclear collisions. This project aims to quantify and model the processes that lead to quantum thermalisation in nuclear collisions. Thermalisation is critical to the synthesis of new superheavy elements, production of medical isotopes, and creation of heavy elements in the cosmos. Yet quantum thermalisation in nuclear systems is not understood, causing models to be wrong by up to a factor of 100. This project will determine the routes to thermalisatio ....Quantum thermalisation: a new framework for nuclear collisions. This project aims to quantify and model the processes that lead to quantum thermalisation in nuclear collisions. Thermalisation is critical to the synthesis of new superheavy elements, production of medical isotopes, and creation of heavy elements in the cosmos. Yet quantum thermalisation in nuclear systems is not understood, causing models to be wrong by up to a factor of 100. This project will determine the routes to thermalisation in nuclear systems by combining the latest concepts in many body quantum physics with enhancements to Australia’s precision measurement capabilities. The project will enable new fundamental tests of quantum mechanics and benefit broader applications of nuclear collisions.Read moreRead less
Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and ....Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and identification protocols for illicit substances.Read moreRead less