Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: enhancement of the emergency disease management capability in Victoria - developing a Victorian Control Centres Management Manual
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: whirling disease a disease strategy manual
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: viral encephalopathy and retinopathy, a disease strategy manual
Barramundi are an important aquaculture species with total production predicted to exceed 1000 tonnes within the next few years. Grouper culture is only just being developed but these fish are greatly sought for the live fish trade and as a result wild stocks are becoming depleted. However, outbreaks of VER in hatcheries and growout facilities can lead to catastrophic losses and the expected increases in production will not occur unless practicable and efficacious control programs are available and in place.
Striped trumpeter culture is still at the develoment stage but already an outbreak of VER has resulted in significant losses of valuable juveniles.
The disease control program needs to be acceptable to all stakeholders, especially State and Territory authorities so that uniformity in control procedures is ensured. At present differing requirements between authorities reduces their abilities to adequately control VER.
Final report
The disease strategy manual for VER reviews the relevant scientific literature on an economically important aquatic viral disease. A description of the disease with special emphasis on Australian fin fish species reveals significant disease in farmed barramundi and significant potential for disease in species such as grouper and striped trumpeter with farming potential.
The general principals of control and eradication are reviewed. Various strategies outlined in the manual will enhance the capabilities of industry and government to quickly and effectively respond to outbreaks of VER.
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: crayfish plague disease strategy manual
Keeping Australia free of Crayfish Plague relies on quarantine restrictions recommended by the OIE which prohibits the importation of live crayfish from countries where the disease is either reported or its presence cannot be ruled out. However, in Europe where this strategy is also carried out, attempts to protect native stocks from Crayfish Plague by banning the importation of crayfish have been unsuccessful. Although quarantine protocols have so far excluded the disease agent from Australia, it is vital that an eradication and control strategy is in place in the event of a diagnosis of the disease.
This application seeks to provide the Australian freshwater crayfish industry with an efficient and successful eradication and control strategy for Crayfish Plague that can be immediately applied should a disease incursion occur. The strategy would be based on the experience of other countries affected by the disease, and current and applicable scientific evidence. Detailed knowledge of affected industries, the region and habitat, diagnostic laboratories and current methods is required and the strategy would be developed in consultation with stakeholder groups. The Crayfish Plague disease strategy manual would form part of the AQUAVETPLAN requirements for management of disease incursions as identified by the government under the Emergency Response Management Plan for aquatic diseases.
Final report
Crayfish plague is a serious disease of freshwater crayfish in Europe. The infectious agent, Aphanomyces astaci, is an Oomycete that produces hyphae and zoospores and is similar to a fungus. Studies have shown that Australian freshwater crayfish are susceptible to the disease but the disease has never been diagnosed in Australia.
The production of a crayfish plague disease strategy manual was prioritised for funding as part of the Emergency Management Planning Program of the Federal Budget Initiative 'Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health'. The project was administered by the Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. The manual was developed with extensive consultation with key industry and government groups, including public meetings in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.