Tactical Research Fund - Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: determining the susceptibility of Australian species of prawns to infectious myonecrosis
Australian prawn production at around 22 kilotonnes is valued in excess of $250 million. Clearly, the prawn fishery is an important natural resource for Australia that is also the basis for a significant export industry. In addition, prawn aquaculture is a significant industry in northern Australia and accounts for around 14% of the total volume of Australian prawn production. Infectious myonecrosis is a viral disease that has caused significant disease outbreaks and mortalities in farmed Penaeus vannamei in Brazil and South-East Asia, including Indonesia. While P. vannamei is considered the principal host, experimental infection of P. stylirostris (Pacific blue shrimp) and P. monodon (black tiger shrimp) has been reported. The susceptibility of other shrimp/prawn species is unknown. Information on the susceptibility of prawn species important to Australia, including banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis), brown tiger prawns (P. esculentus) is lacking. This project would provide information on the susceptibility of two important species of Australian prawns to exotic IMNV. Such information is important to policy-makers, regulators and primary producers with respect to relevant biosecurity issues at all levels of government.
Final report
Determination of the disease status of Western Australian commercial prawn stocks
Investigations into QX disease in oysters and other problems associated with marine parasites
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.