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.
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
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
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Subprogram Conference ‘Emergency Disease Response Planning And Management’
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$79,273.00
Summary
In Australia, aquaculture is undergoing a growth phase (approximately 18% p.a.) where the number of aquaculture facilities, as well as the number of aquatic animal species being cultured, is increasing. The current value of the aquaculture sector is placed at $800 million and is expected to increase to $2-3 billion over the next 10 years. As the industry expands and intensifies the risk of infectious disease outbreaks also increases and there is a need for a parallel increased level of research ....In Australia, aquaculture is undergoing a growth phase (approximately 18% p.a.) where the number of aquaculture facilities, as well as the number of aquatic animal species being cultured, is increasing. The current value of the aquaculture sector is placed at $800 million and is expected to increase to $2-3 billion over the next 10 years. As the industry expands and intensifies the risk of infectious disease outbreaks also increases and there is a need for a parallel increased level of research on these diseases (c.f. Federal Budget Initiative). As part of the R&D effort nationwide, there is a need for a scientific conference during which the key aquatic animal health specialists/researchers/managers can convene and discuss current and future aquatic animal health issues and resolutions.
In addition, the development of World Trade Organisation agreements on freedom of trade between countries is seeing an increase in the use of aquatic animal disease as a de facto trade barrier and increasing demands on exporting countries to demonstrate freedom from diseases of concern. The issue of Canadian exports of salmon to Australia and the national white spot survey of prawns and crabs are recent Australian examples. The demand of Australia by our trading partners for demonstrated competence in surveillance and monitoring is going to require a much greater investment by Australia in training of expertise, standardisation of diagnostic techniques and development of new methodology to back nationwide surveillance and monitoring programs. None of this activity will happen unless we foster a team approach by the limited numbers of individuals working in the aquatic animal disease disciplines. The development of AQUAPLAN and the Federal Budget Initiative has placed Australia at the forefront of aquatic animal disease management. An opportunity exists to capitalise on these initiatives and to value-add to planned outputs.
It is proposed that the Scientific Advisory Committee of the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram plan, organise and lead a 3-day scientific conference entitled, ‘Emergency Disease Planning and Management’, the core activity of which will be reports/scientific presentations on current projects funded by the Health Subprogram. In addition to these presentations, there is a need to highlight other aquatic health research, methodological and policy issues which may be of current or potential, future concern to Australia and which impact on emergency disease management. This conference will provide a forum for communication of project outputs, for critical review of aquatic animal health R&D currently undertaken in Australia, and will allow full discussion of the research and provide feed-back to the Principal Investigators of Subprogram projects. In this way, projects will benefit from receiving input from a relatively large number of researchers from a broad range of backgrounds. Potential future projects would be identified. In addition, an international expert with first-hand experience in management/eradication of an exotic aquatic animal disease could be invited to lead a discussion on a special topic relevant to emergency disease planning and management.
Objectives: 1. Plan, organise and lead a Scientific Conference on ‘Emergency Disease Response Planning and Management’ 2. Produce a Proceedings of the Scientific Conference on CD Rom Read moreRead less
SCRC: Piloting Commercial Scale Supply Of Mass Selected Sydney Rock Oysters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
The recent Morten Rye Review of Australian Breeding Programs and their Commercialisation recognised NSW’ SRO breeding achievements as an ‘an excellent platform for full implementation of a highly effective family based, multi-trait selection program for SRO’ but recommended the following for SOCo & SRO: • Development of a reliable hatchery technique for consistent high volume production of SRO spat, and a reliable source of supply which preferably should be a commercial hatchery: Work curre ....The recent Morten Rye Review of Australian Breeding Programs and their Commercialisation recognised NSW’ SRO breeding achievements as an ‘an excellent platform for full implementation of a highly effective family based, multi-trait selection program for SRO’ but recommended the following for SOCo & SRO: • Development of a reliable hatchery technique for consistent high volume production of SRO spat, and a reliable source of supply which preferably should be a commercial hatchery: Work currently undertaken independently of SOCo • Facilitate effective family based multi-trait selection (incorporating quantitative genetic advice) o Prepare an operational breeding plan based on sound quantitative genetics and selection theory o Establish effective data recording (nucleus and performance testing) and database management systems • Establish a management team with the core responsibility to coordinate breeding program activities in close collaboration with PSFI and with technical input from a competent provider of quantitative genetic services (e.g. CSIRO).
NSW DPI is also looking to industry to progressively adopt management and self fund the current MSBP breeding program. Significant progress toward this goal has been achieved for the MSBP and the appointment of a manager and the divestment of routine operations of the program would signal industry’s acceptance of and commitment to the program and provide a strong incentive for DPI to continue to invest in pair mated program development.
For SOCo to achieve the aim set out in the review it must invest in program mechanics alongside private commercial investment in hatchery technique for SRO to address production barriers.Read moreRead less
Validation And Implementation Of Rapid Test Kits For Detection Of OsHV-1
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$55,000.00
Summary
Following the outbreak of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) in the Port River, South Australia in summer 2017-18, a need was identified for rapid diagnostic technology for OsHV-1, the causative agent of POMS. During the February 2016 OsHV-1 outbreak in Tasmania, tracing activities in Tasmania and South Australia required substantial follow-up and surveillance to define diseased areas and inform OsHV-1 management. This surveillance was slow and expensive, although it was observed that in ....Following the outbreak of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) in the Port River, South Australia in summer 2017-18, a need was identified for rapid diagnostic technology for OsHV-1, the causative agent of POMS. During the February 2016 OsHV-1 outbreak in Tasmania, tracing activities in Tasmania and South Australia required substantial follow-up and surveillance to define diseased areas and inform OsHV-1 management. This surveillance was slow and expensive, although it was observed that in outbreak situations OsHV-1 prevalence and viral load are high. The Australian Pacific oyster aquaculture industries and State governments have expressed a need for more cost effective surveillance options for monitoring disease in affected areas.
The advantage of a rapid test is that in the event of an oyster mortality, information would be available within hours, rather than days, to guide response measures. It is likely that field techniques will be less sensitive than laboratory methods, but OsHV-1 in outbreaks has characteristics that lend it to field based diagnostic methods including high prevalence and viral load and few diseases with similar presentation.
This project will review available technology, select a candidate approach, and implement an OsHV-1 test using the preferred platform. We will test samples in parallel with qPCR to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test platform. Objectives: 1. Identify platform for rapid diagnostic test for OsHV-1 2. Implement OsHV-1 test in the chosen platform 3. Assess DSe and DSp of test in rapid platform 4. Provide guidelines and instructions for use Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Understanding And Planning For The Potential Impacts Of OsHV1 U Var On The Australian Pacific Oyster Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$90,000.00
Summary
The Pacific oyster virus (Ostreid Herpesvirus-1, OsHV-1) is a pathogen that has been regularly detected in France since 1991. The virus has generally been associated with Pacific oyster larval mortality in hatcheries and in Pacific oyster spat mortality outbreaks.
The recent incursion of the highly pathogenic OHsV-1 micro variant into New Zealand and NSW waters, leading to 80-100% mortality in weeks, has raised the very real prospect of this deadly oyster virus spreading to other Pacif ....The Pacific oyster virus (Ostreid Herpesvirus-1, OsHV-1) is a pathogen that has been regularly detected in France since 1991. The virus has generally been associated with Pacific oyster larval mortality in hatcheries and in Pacific oyster spat mortality outbreaks.
The recent incursion of the highly pathogenic OHsV-1 micro variant into New Zealand and NSW waters, leading to 80-100% mortality in weeks, has raised the very real prospect of this deadly oyster virus spreading to other Pacific oyster growing states.
This virus, if spread unchecked in Australia, has the potential to destroy the Pacific oyster aquaculture industry, which is currently worth about $65million in farm gate sales in SA, Tas and NSW.
There is an urgent need to collate and disseminate information regarding the source, transmission, pathogenicity, control and mitigation of this virus and its effects on farmed Pacific oysters.
This project has been developed to provide a considered response to that need. Objectives: 1. A desktop study on industry relevant issues associated with OsHV1 and the related Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) 2. A field visit by a small group to France to engage their industry and to discuss first hand industry experience regarding the effects and management of OsHV1 3. The development and extension of a national strategy to control and/or minimise the spread of OsHV1 in Australia and to develop management strategies to mitigate the effects of the disease in areas in which is, or may become, established Read moreRead less
Disease, particularly Perkinsus disease, is seen as the fourth major risk to the sustainability of the abalone fishery in SA (SA Fisheries & Aquaculture Five Year Research and Development Strategy). Perkinsus disease causes ongoing losses to the industry, losses that are expected to increase with global warming unless some action is taken to curb the disease. This project will explore one approach that may be feasible to control Perkinsus and thus reduce its impact on the industry.
A ....Disease, particularly Perkinsus disease, is seen as the fourth major risk to the sustainability of the abalone fishery in SA (SA Fisheries & Aquaculture Five Year Research and Development Strategy). Perkinsus disease causes ongoing losses to the industry, losses that are expected to increase with global warming unless some action is taken to curb the disease. This project will explore one approach that may be feasible to control Perkinsus and thus reduce its impact on the industry.
A recent project in California (Culver and Kuris, in press) successfully eradicated a species of mudworm from abalone by removal of the most susceptible shell (N. Bax, CSIRO, pers. com.) Objectives: 1. To determine the extent and nature of Perkinsus infection around Taylor Island, identification of possible reservoir hosts, the production of an epidemiological model, and recommendations on appropriate management methods. Read moreRead less