Investigating Aetiology And Risk Factors Of Ocular Lesions And Associated Mortality In Ranched Southern Bluefin Tuna
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$200,238.00
Summary
This year (2017), some of the ranching operations reported the increased cumulative mortality. In some severe cases, up to 90% of collected mortalities present some degree of unilateral or bilateral ocular damage ranging from corneal cloudiness, with or without ulcers, up to complete perforation. The anecdotal report of eye lesions has progressively increased since the 2015 season without a definitive cause being identified. Previous reports (Rough et al., 1999; Rough, 2000; Hayward et al., 2007 ....This year (2017), some of the ranching operations reported the increased cumulative mortality. In some severe cases, up to 90% of collected mortalities present some degree of unilateral or bilateral ocular damage ranging from corneal cloudiness, with or without ulcers, up to complete perforation. The anecdotal report of eye lesions has progressively increased since the 2015 season without a definitive cause being identified. Previous reports (Rough et al., 1999; Rough, 2000; Hayward et al., 2007; Hayward et al., 2008a; Hayward et al., 2008b; Hayward et al., 2009; Hayward et al., 2010; Hayward et al., 2011, including FRDC projects No 2003/225 and 2008/228, Nowak et al., 2007; Nowak et al., 2012) identified sea lice of the genus Caligus spp. as a differential cause of eye lesions in SBT. The copepod ectoparasite is thought to damage the eyes by feeding on the cornea epithelium of infested SBT. Lesions worsen when fish flash against the cage’s net to dislodge the itchy copepods. Partial or full vision loss is suspected to impair the capacity of the fish to compete for feed and to result, with time, in the death of affected fish. At this stage, it is unclear: 1 - what is the distribution of the observed increased mortality across the industry; 2 - what is the occurrence and severity of eye lesions across the industry; 3 - if the observed increased mortality is entirely attributable to eye lesions; 4 - if eye lesions are solely caused by C. chiastos or if other causes are involved; 5 - if potential tow-, cage-, and fish-level risk factors are associated with the occurrence of eye lesions and its cause(s). Objectives: 1. Estimate the frequency and distribution of increased mortality across the industry. 2. Describe the pathology and severity of eye lesions and estimate the frequency and distribution of these lesions across the industry. 3. Investigate potential tow-, farm-, and fish-level risk factors associated with increased mortality and eye lesion occurrence. 4. Investigate the putative role of sealice in causing this episode of eye lesions. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of A DNA Microarray To Identify Markers Of Disease In Pearl Oysters (Pinctada Maxima) And To Assess Overall Oyster Health
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$157,480.00
Summary
In October 2006, unexplained high mortalities of Pinctada maxima oysters were reported. The disease associated with these mortalities has been termed Oyster Oedema Disease (OOD). It is likely that OOD is caused by an infectious agent and it is possible to cross-infect oysters with infected tissue. The disease spread rapidly and there are no known control measures, no knowledge of a causative agent, no understanding of how widespread the disease was, and no way to test for it. This proposal seeks ....In October 2006, unexplained high mortalities of Pinctada maxima oysters were reported. The disease associated with these mortalities has been termed Oyster Oedema Disease (OOD). It is likely that OOD is caused by an infectious agent and it is possible to cross-infect oysters with infected tissue. The disease spread rapidly and there are no known control measures, no knowledge of a causative agent, no understanding of how widespread the disease was, and no way to test for it. This proposal seeks to develop DNA microarray technology to detect abnormal levels of stress response genes in pearl oysters. These genes will be used as markers in new, rapid diagnostic tests for diseased pearl oysters. The requirement for such rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of OOD is well acknowledged. The spread of the disease could have been limited had there been a test available to differentiate sick animals from healthy ones. Such assays also have applications in routine translocation testing and the assessment of general oyster health. Translocation samples are treated as high priority and current methods report results after several days. With rapid tests derived from DNA microarray analysis it may be possible to report results within 24 hours. The attraction of molecular stress-response markers is that their expression levels change dramatically during times of stress. This can act as an indicator of disease susceptibility. A DNA microarray to target such stress markers in P. maxima could also be used to investigate disease in other shellfish and it will be able to detect effects of other pathogens in addition to those involved in OOD. Our main goal is to use the P. maxima microarray to identify key stress-response genes that can be used to develop a new generation of rapid, inexpensive tests of environmental stress, infection and overall oyster health.
Objectives: 1. To construct a cDNA library using healthy, stressed and OOD-affected oysters. We will use oysters exposed to a range of environmental conditions to make sure that a broad array of stress-response genes are represented in the cDNA library. Cloned cDNAs will be analyzed by PCR to confirm that a broad range of different sized cDNA is also included in the library. 2. To design and print DNA microarray slides for the analysis of diseased states in pearl oysters (P. maxima). cDNA clones to print will be based on sequence analysis. cDNA's will be printed onto the slides in duplicate or triplicate to increase the statistical robustness of subsequent analyses. 3. To use the DNA microarray to identify molecular markers that differentiate pearl oysters that are diseased (including OOD-affected oysters) from those that appear to be healthy. 4. To use the DNA microarray to test for markers of adverse health in pearl oysters that appear to be affected by environmental stressors other than OOD. This will be done using archived samples and oysters that do not fit the case definition for OOD. Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of The Toxicity Of Fish Containing Mercury At Concentrations In Excess Of Present Health Regulations
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Does eating fish such as shark & gemfish from unpolluted waters, containing mercury in excess of health regulations, pose danger of intoxication? 2. If not, investigate if any resistance to methyl mercury is conferred by ingesting such fish.
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) - Risk Mitigation, Epidemiology And OsHV-1 Biology
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$783,045.00
Summary
There is a disturbing pattern of diseases in commercial molluscs nationally. They have required a succession of government/industry responses, with no clear solutions:QX disease, Sydney rock oysters, NSW and QLD; NSW; Pacific oyster mortality syndrome, NSW; Abalone viral ganglioneuritis, VIC; Oyster oedema disease, pearl oysters, WA; Winter mortality, Sydney rock oyster, NSW.
Economic impacts have been substantial or devastating. Wild fisheries and aquaculture have been impacted. In NS ....There is a disturbing pattern of diseases in commercial molluscs nationally. They have required a succession of government/industry responses, with no clear solutions:QX disease, Sydney rock oysters, NSW and QLD; NSW; Pacific oyster mortality syndrome, NSW; Abalone viral ganglioneuritis, VIC; Oyster oedema disease, pearl oysters, WA; Winter mortality, Sydney rock oyster, NSW.
Economic impacts have been substantial or devastating. Wild fisheries and aquaculture have been impacted. In NSW, the primary impact of QX disease led to replacement of Sydney rock oysters by triploid Pacific oysters to reestablish the industry in some estuaries, but this is now threatened by POMS.
In every case the new disease has spread. It has not been possible to devise an intervention strategy that would halt disease spread or ensure the recovery of the industry. Investigating the behaviour of POMS during its recrudescence in summer 2011/2012 in FRDC project 2011-053 afforded a unique insight into the disease, and these observations need to be extended over time to identify factors which may be used to reduce the impact of the infection.
This project seeks to address 6 specific research priorities identified by FRDC and will concurrently investigate the effect of host, environment and husbandry factors on POMS prevalence and mortality rate in Pacific oysters with the objective of discovering aspects of epidemiology which can be manipulated by oyster growers. If POMS spreads beyond its current limited distribution in NSW, commercial scale production of Pacific oysters in the face of POMS will be essential for the viability of the industry pending development of technical solutions such as genetically resistant lines.
FRDC strategic R&D theme 1 - biosecurity and aquatic animal health, and Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram priority - Nature of disease and host-pathogen interaction - immunology of aquatic invertebrates.
Objectives: 1. To determine/confirm the identity of the one or more variant(s) of Ostreid herpesvirus associated with the recent outbreaks of POMS 2. To determine the mechanism(s) of transmission of disease 3. To determine the major risk factors that contribute to precipitation of disease outbreaks thereby identifying potential risk-mitigation management practices 4. To identify the natural reservoir(s) for the virus 5. To determine the stability of the virus in the environment 6. To identify physical and chemical means for viral inactivation 7. To develop an infecitivity model for POMS suitable for selection of resistant oysters and pathogenesis/environmental research 8. To address future shortages of technical expertise through the training and supervision of at least 1 PhD student Read moreRead less
Development Of Continuous Prawn Cell Lines For Virus Isolation And Cultivation
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$243,876.28
Summary
The ability to isolate viruses in cell culture is fundamental to disease diagnosis in both human and veterinary (including aquatic animals) medicine. The In addition, the ability to grow the virus in culture provides a potentially limitless source of pure virus and thus facilitates further characterisation of the virus and development of more sophisticated and improved diagnostic procedures. At present, virus isolation in cell culture remains, for most pathogenic viruses where cell culture syste ....The ability to isolate viruses in cell culture is fundamental to disease diagnosis in both human and veterinary (including aquatic animals) medicine. The In addition, the ability to grow the virus in culture provides a potentially limitless source of pure virus and thus facilitates further characterisation of the virus and development of more sophisticated and improved diagnostic procedures. At present, virus isolation in cell culture remains, for most pathogenic viruses where cell culture systems have been developed, the most sensitive and reliable technique for the detection of viral pathogens of fish (OIE, 1995a).
The current lack of continuous prawn cell lines suitable for the isolation and growth of prawn viruses is a major set-back for the diagnosis of viral diseases of prawns (see Crane and Bernoth, 1996, for review); isolation and identification of the causative agents is severely hindered and the development of other diagnostic procedures is slowed.
The application of virus isolation in cell culture and the critical role it plays in certifying freedom of disease and controlling the spread of disease is exemplified by its use in the international trade of salmonid products (OIE, 1995a, b). Individual salmonid cell lines are susceptible to infection by a range of salmonid viruses and provide an essential tool for health surveillance and certification programs and is a requirement for the international trade of specific products. Similar regulations may, in the future, be required for international trade of penaeid products.
The aim of this project is to develop continuous prawn cell lines which are susceptible to infection by a range of prawn viruses, to develop diagnostic procedures using these cell lines and to demonstrate the application of these cell lines to the development of other diagnostic procedures for viral diseases (both exotic and enzootic) of prawns.
References
Crane, M. St. J. and Bernoth, E.-M. 1996. Molecular biology and fish disease diagnosis: Current status and future trends. In: Recent Advances in Microbiology (V. Asche, ed.), Aus. Soc. Microbiol. Vol. 4, pp. 41-82.
O.I.E. 1995a. International Aquatic Animal Health Code: Fish, Molluscs and Crustaceans. First edition. 184 pp. Paris, Office International des Epizooties.
O.I.E. 1995b. Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic Animal Diseases. First edition. 195 pp. Paris, Office International des Epizooties. Objectives: 1. To obtain continuous cell lines from prawn tissues. 2. To select continuous prawn cell lines which are susceptible to virus infection and capable of supporting virus growth. 3. To develop diagnostic procedures for the isolation of viral pathogens (both enzootic and exotic) of prawns using developed cell lines. Read moreRead less
There is a need for common baseline of information that provides easy accessible compositional profiles in suitable formats about their products to enable them to meet their individual needs.
The information needs to be robust, consistent and cover the minimum needs of a nutritional panel (consumer) and contaminant information.
The project will assist in meeting industry needs for: - Promoting the public health benefits of seafood consumption more generally. - Rapid a ....There is a need for common baseline of information that provides easy accessible compositional profiles in suitable formats about their products to enable them to meet their individual needs.
The information needs to be robust, consistent and cover the minimum needs of a nutritional panel (consumer) and contaminant information.
The project will assist in meeting industry needs for: - Promoting the public health benefits of seafood consumption more generally. - Rapid access to credible information to counter negative media claims. - Assist in addressing current and future technical market challenges. - Anticipate and quickly respond to market access threats.
Additionally there is a need to ensure that nutritional information on the key species (those covered in the Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports) and profiled on the FRDC consumer site Fishfiles is available.
It is important to note that FRDC funded two studies that undertook oil analysis for 250+ Australian species. See the Seafood the Good Food volume 1 and 2 for the results. This means the need is on broadening this analysis to include other nutritional elements. Objectives: 1. Create nutrition panels for a minimum of 25 seafood species where none exist. Read moreRead less
Development Of Immuno-assays To Measure Markers Of Growth And Stress In Farmed Fish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$258,876.00
Summary
While there is growing evidence suggesting the importance of IGF-I in growth and development in fish, interpretation of these studies is hampered by the use of heterologous research reagents. Indeed, we have preliminary evidence suggesting that the heterologous immunoassays used to investigate the circulating levels of IGF-I in fish have been underestimating concentrations by up to 200-fold. Moreover the lack of sensitivity of the assays may not have permitted detection of subtle, yet important ....While there is growing evidence suggesting the importance of IGF-I in growth and development in fish, interpretation of these studies is hampered by the use of heterologous research reagents. Indeed, we have preliminary evidence suggesting that the heterologous immunoassays used to investigate the circulating levels of IGF-I in fish have been underestimating concentrations by up to 200-fold. Moreover the lack of sensitivity of the assays may not have permitted detection of subtle, yet important changes in IGF-I levels in fish resulting from growth, developmental, nutritional or environmental factors. In addition, we have recently ascertained that recombinant human IGF-I is cleared from the circulation of juvenile barramundi almost twice as rapidly as recombinant barramundi IGF-I, providing the first in vivo evidence that there are functional differences between mammalian and fish IGFs. Thus the use of homologous research reagents may be essential for correctly interpreting results from not only in vivo, but also in vitro investigations into the biological actions of IGF-I in fish.
If IGF-I plays as an important role in fish as has been found in mammals, the benefits of homologous IGF research reagents to the aquaculture industry could be substantial. The development of a diagnostic assay for IGF-I as a reliable, reproducible marker of growth performance or response to environmental stress could in turn impact significantly on fish farm management. Clearly, the over-riding aim of every commercial fish farm is to obtain maximum output of a quality product in the most cost efficient manner. Hence the development of an endocrinological assay as an indicator of growth potential or as an early marker of changing health status, may significantly aid achieving this goal. Likewise, the production of recombinant fish IGF-II and the development of a specific fish IGF-II immunoassays may prove to be valuable tools for defining the role of IGF-II in fish growth and development. Objectives: 1. To produce reagents and develop immunoassays for measuring plasma IGF concentrations in commercially significant fish species. 2. To use these immunoassays to measure plasma IGF concentrations in fish used in studies examining changes in growth, development, health, stress or nutritional status. 3. To determine if there is any correlation between these measurements indicating that plasma IGF measurements can be used as a diagnostic marker of growth performance or response to stress in farmed fish. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Rapid Strain Identification Of The Bacterial Fish Pathogen Streptococcus Iniae And Development Of An Effective Polyvalent Vaccine For Australian Barramundi
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$254,821.27
Summary
Streptococcus iniae causes streptococcosis, the most important bacterial disease affecting Australian farmed barramundi. Streptococcosis is a major limiting factor in production of barramundi in freshwater and marine systems. Economic loss occurs through high mortalities, loss of marketable product, lost feed costs and costs of treatment, control, prevention and cleanup. Eradication of the disease from the farm environment is not possible. Vaccination offers an inexpensive, reliable and safe met ....Streptococcus iniae causes streptococcosis, the most important bacterial disease affecting Australian farmed barramundi. Streptococcosis is a major limiting factor in production of barramundi in freshwater and marine systems. Economic loss occurs through high mortalities, loss of marketable product, lost feed costs and costs of treatment, control, prevention and cleanup. Eradication of the disease from the farm environment is not possible. Vaccination offers an inexpensive, reliable and safe method of preventing the disease; however, current strategies rely on autogenous vaccines, i.e., vaccines prepared from specific strains of the organisms causing disease on a particular farm. Provision for preventative vaccination of stock is currently hampered by the lack of a commercially licensed generic Streptococcus vaccine. Further, the use of autogenous vaccines does not protect the fish from disease caused by newly emergent strains and the reproduction of vaccines in response to each separate occurrence is time consuming. At least seven strains of S.iniae are recognised in Australia, with further strains likely to emerge. Current vaccines are strain specific and therefore cross protection against all isolates in all locations in Australia may not be afforded. It has been demonstrated on at least one occasion in Darwin that a vaccine developed against one strain was ineffective against another. A need exists to: Understand the underlying molecular mechanisms whereby new strains of S.iniae evolve; develop technologies that will provide rapid typing of existing or new strains of S.iniae and; provide a strategy for rapid incorporation of new strains into a polyvalent vaccine for national industry use. Objectives: 1. Characterise the genetic and molecular basis by which biotypes of S.iniae vary in relation to capsular and surface protein antigen presentation and strain variation 2. Develop and implement a rapid antigen typing scheme for S. iniae 3. Establish proof-of-concept for a polyvalent vaccine against all known Australian strains of S.iniae 4. Verify the effectiveness of the vaccine in experimental challenge studies initially using the intraperitoneal injection route of immunisation in comparison with immersion and oral administration. 5. Subject to APVMA approval and time constraints, evaluate the vaccine in field trials on infected farms 6. Transfer rapid identification technology to regional laboratories Read moreRead less
Occupational Health And Safety National Extension Strategy
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$408,232.78
Summary
The WA Fishing Industry Council has supervised OH&S projects that are considered to be vital to the continued successful development of the State’s aquatic resources. The projects have been successful in demonstrating that the broader fishing industry needs a continuing process of improvement. The projects have also demonstrated that the industry can take the lead in OH&S issues, putting it in advance of legislative requirements. Other States have expressed the strong desire to emulate the suc ....The WA Fishing Industry Council has supervised OH&S projects that are considered to be vital to the continued successful development of the State’s aquatic resources. The projects have been successful in demonstrating that the broader fishing industry needs a continuing process of improvement. The projects have also demonstrated that the industry can take the lead in OH&S issues, putting it in advance of legislative requirements. Other States have expressed the strong desire to emulate the success of WA, until such time as their relevant sectors of the industry take over the responsibility. There is a pressing need for each jurisdiction to evaluate and adopt OH&S Codes of Practice, and the most efficient manner for this to be done is via the adaptation of the WA OH&S codes.
WAFIC is required to review existing sections of the WA Code to ensure compliance with legislative requirments. Objectives: 1. To be the node of Seafood Services Australia that delivers Occupational Health and Safety programmes nationally. 2. To provide each State and the Northern Territory with a comprehensive set of OH&S guidelines tailored to each jurisdiction's legislation and industry specific requirments. Read moreRead less