In late 2005, a sudden mass mortality in abalone resulting from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) occurred almost simultaneously on three abalone farms in Victoria. In May 2006, AVG was detected in wild stocks along the Victorian coast near one of the infected farms (Appleford, 2006). The outbreak in wild populations has subsequently been detected in both directions along the Victorian coast. A control zone was established to prevent movement of abalone, other invertebrates and fishing gear in and out of the infected area. Nevertheless, the virus has now spread beyond the control zone (Appleford, 2006; Handlinger, 2007). This presents an enormous threat to the lucrative commercial abalone fishery in Victoria and South Australia, as the range of the virus is currently nearing the South Australian border. Due to the difficulty in containing invasive pathogens in the marine environment, the outbreak of AVG in wild abalone populations is considered to be an issue of national concern.

In a recent report to industry on the research priorities related to the AVG outbreak, Handlinger (2007) identified the need to understand host-virus interactions and the host response. Handlinger (2007) further highlights the need for effective disease surveillance in both the wild and farming abalone sectors, as well as the need to establish health status as part of the family lines program, particularly with respect to the movement of broodstock. This requires the effective identification of infected abalone, including those sub-clinically infected and which harbor persistent virus. Consequently, investigation into the host antiviral response to AVG is timely and worthwhile to help ensure the ongoing economic viability of abalone industries faced with sudden mass mortality events from viral outbreaks.