Livestock in Southeast Asian countries provide milk, meat and draught power, and represent individual or community wealth. However, animal productivity has been constrained by inadequate diagnosis and consequent control of a number of production-limiting diseases. The Indonesian and Malaysian Governments have recognised a need to equip existing diagnostic laboratories-which service a wide range of mammalian, avian and fish enterprises at smallholder and commercial levels--with more effective diagnostic technology. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)-based systems are ideal for this purpose: they are inexpensive, sensitive and versatile, and are easy to use and adapt to a wide variety of local requirements.

The Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Benalla, Victoria, has had extensive experience in the development of robust and simple ELISA systems. In Phase 1 of this project (Project No. 8382), scientists from the Laboratory collaborated with Indonesian and Malaysian colleagues to develop systems for the major livestock diseases of bovine brucellosis, haemorrhagic septicaemia, Newcastle disease and anthrax in Indonesia and Malaysia. Phase 2 is now building on the earlier successful work, with the following objectives:

. to refine and undertake further research on ELISA systems applicable to haemorrhagic septicaemia, brucellosis, Newcastle disease and anthrax in Indonesia and Malaysia;

. to assess the efficacy of these tests (through eradication, control and monitoring programs) with a view to undertaking epidemiological and prevalence studies of these diseases;

. to utilise ELISA technology in ongoing and planned disease eradication or control programs (for example, eradication of brucellosis in Indonesia; control of haemorrhagic septicaemia in Indonesia; control of Newcastle disease in Indonesia and Malaysia; and control of anthrax in Indonesia); and

. to maintain and extend previously established communication networks relating to ELISA and disease diagnosis.

The Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Benalla and its collaborating organisation in Australia, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory, will undertake the more specialised research, be involved in training, and coordinate and act as resource centres for developing country components of the project. The Australian scientists will also participate in workshops, to be held in Southeast Asia during the course of the project, on ELISA and related technology, and haemorrhagic septicaemia.

In Indonesia, work established in Phase 1 will continue at the Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Balitvet), and will involve the transfer of the developed ELISA technology to selected regional laboratories. The staff at Balitvet will be involved with scientists at these laboratories in coordinating the assessment of the efficiency of the test systems. In Malaysia, collaboration will continue on Newcastle disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia and brucellosis. Collaborators from the participating countries will maintain working contact with key research centres across Southeast Asia.

Various benefits will flow to the developing countries from the successful completion of Phase 2. These include increased capability for the efficient diagnosis of disease, which will lead to increased livestock productivity through improved disease control; enhanced research capability through specific training programs; better access to research chemicals and materials; and greater contact with scientists working on similar problems.

Travel and trade between Southeast Asia and Australia are increasing annually, bringing with them increased threat of exotic disease outbreaks in Australian livestock. As the developing countries become more active in disease control and eradication, this will enhance Australia's relative disease-free status. Haemorrhagic septicaemia is exotic to Australia, and the diagnostic ELISA systems developed in the course of the project will be of benefit in the areas of disease monitoring and quarantine. Brucellosis has recently been eradicated from Australia--a task that has taken 20 years--and a new outbreak would have disastrous effects on the cattle industry. In addition, Australian laboratories will benefit from improved tests for anthrax (endemic in localised areas) and Newcastle disease (non-pathogenic strains widespread in Australia).