Key Stakeholder Relevance
Since the inception of marine salmonid aquaculture in Tasmania during the 1980’s, a number of pathogens have emerged. The industry and DPIPWE have collaborated in developing/commercialising vaccines for several of these pathogens. This successful, ongoing strategy is used to mitigate disease in a practical, cost-effective and sustainable manner. These vaccines are effective however for known pathogens; the emergence of new pathogens presents the industry with an entirely new set of challenges. Viral pathogens, such as the Orthomyxo-like virus, are of particular concern to industry as there are no therapeutic agents available to treat virally-infected fish. This project was instigated on behalf of the Tasmanian salmon growers and the project aims to inform the salmonid aquaculture industry and government as to the potential for the virus to cause disease in Atlantic salmon.

Emerging Diseases: Data Provides Context
Little is known about the Orthomyxo-like virus associated with farmed Atlantic salmon. Investigation/analysis is hampered by a lack of information about the pathogenic capability of the Orthomyxo-like virus and limited histopathology description Orthomyxo-like virus infected fish. The proposed pathogenicity trial will determine if the Orthomyxo-like virus can act as a primary pathogen of Atlantic salmon in the absence of confounding external stressors. If the virus is shown to be pathogenic it will provide context for industry & government stakeholders to develop management, control and surveillance strategies.

The Proposed Project is Aligned with R&D Plans
This project is directly aligned with the following strategic plans;
•DPIPWE Corporate Plan 2011-14
•FRDC’s Strategic Priority Areas
oProgram 1: Environment
oTheme 1: Biosecurity, aquatic animal health
oProgram 2: Industry
oTheme 7: Production, growth, profitability
•FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram
oKey research areas
oNature of disease and host-pathogen interaction
oKnowledge about new/emerging infectious diseases
oAquatic animal health management