9th International Conference on Harmful Algal Blooms, 7-11 February 2000, Hobart
Diagnostic detection of aquatic pathogens using real-time next generation sequencing
Current diagnostic programs generally rely on highly -specific assays for pathogen detection. While these techniques are invaluable, they are one dimensional and do not provide detailed information critical to a disease investigation. These gaps include the inability to detect unknown pathogens and potential variants of know pathogens and provide no additional genomic or transcriptomic data. Moreover, samples must be shipped to trained personnel in a laboratory, further delaying the time to diagnosis. The MinION, on the other hand, can theoretically detect any pathogen and can potentially be deployed to the field. Moreover, the MinION can rapidly generate full-length genomes, allowing for epidemiological tracking of viral or bacterial strains in near real-time. Such rapid data, which cannot be obtained as quickly using existing methods, are vital if the intention is to intervene in an outbreak and reduce impacts on the productivity and profitability of aquaculture facilities. For example, a rapid, early diagnosis may allow mitigating actions to be taken on-farm, such as the diversion of intake water, movement restrictions of stock and the isolation of infected ponds.
These qualities make the MinION an attractive complimentary platform to fill several gaps in the data obtained during disease outbreak investigations, or routine diagnostics, and potentially for use in the field. However, results from the misuse or lack of understanding of the technology could also have adverse regulatory implications for aquaculture industries. For example, without appropriate guidelines, an inexperienced diagnostician may misinterpret a distant DNA match in a pathogen database as a significant result, this may create unwanted attention to industry and potential stock destruction or changes to disease status that are unjustified. Thus, it is critical that the MinION is evaluated at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory, and guidelines and procedures are developed for accurate diagnostic evaluations. The activities detailed in this application will establish the feasibility of using the MinION for diagnostic applications, and ensure that the data is reliably generated and interpreted appropriately.
Water treatment to control influent water biosecurity risk on Australian prawn farms. Effectiveness and impacts on production ponds.
Minor use permit for oxytetracycline in non-salmonid finfish
Seafood CRC: Second generation tuna feeds
The availability of a manufactured feed is critical to the successful rearing of propagated tuna. This project is one of the three identified key issues that needs to be resolved to successfully achieve a propagated tuna industry.
Both of the Ridley and the Skretting feeds have the capability of resolving our feed requirements for pellets over 10mm. The Skretting product may be able to manufactured in pellets smaller than 10mm.
Without a reliable manufactured feed we have little chance of achieving the successful culture of significant SBT.