A Current Priority in the 2011 FRDC AAHS R&D plan (6.2.3 Endemic and exotic aquatic animal disease diagnostics) is “Diagnostics for agents of national/international significance”.

The AAHL Fish Diseases Laboratory (AFDL) role involves detection/confirmation of exotic and newly emerging diseases (particularly those in Australia’s National List of Reportable Diseases of Aquatic Animal), index case confirmation and supporting national response capability.

Ideally, AFDL diagnostic assays are adopted from the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals 2010 or ANZSDPs. Unfortunately, for some agents there are either multiple protocols in the OIE Chapter (e.g. ISAV, IHNV, VHSV), real-time PCR protocols for high-throughput screening are not in the OIE Chapter (e.g. VHSV, IHNV) or there is no OIE Chapter (e.g. NNV, IPNV). Where no assays are described, published literature is the only source of information. Due to a time lag between updating the OIE Chapters or publication of test protocols, it is not always possible to be confident that the most current protocols have been implemented. Published methods may not adequately describe the specificity of the tests (e.g. detection of different genotypes by ISAV and VHSV RT-qPCRs).

One way to ensure awareness of the latest developments in diagnostic protocols and to compare AFDL’s capability is through networks with overseas reference laboratories who routinely deal with agents that are exotic to Australia. Nick Moody’s attendance at the EAFP Conference in September will provide an opportunity to visit the EU Reference Laboratory for Fish Diseases in Denmark and the CEFAS Laboratory in the UK.