A number of microbial and parasitic diseases affecting tropical aquaculture are common to Indonesia and Australia. Pre-eminent among these is the nodaviral disease viral nervous necrosis (VNN), which affects diverse marine finfish species and is considered a major limiting factor to economically viable and sustainable mariculture. To date little is known of how the virus spreads from the environment to hatcheries and farms (epidemiology) and the mechanisms resulting in infection and disease (pathogenesis). The University of Sydney is currently developing and evaluating a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of VNN and this, together with other serological methods under development, will give researchers valuable tools to better understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of VNN.

This project is helping to develop practical on-site strategies for the control of VNN in selected Indonesian marine finfish hatcheries. The scientists are evaluating current biosecurity measures in select Indonesian marine finfish hatcheries, also assessing current diagnostic capacity in select Indonesian laboratories. They are determining functional and operational improvements needed in hatchery management and control of VNN. The project team will also enhance the knowledge base of Indonesian laboratory staff in aquatic animal pathology, epidemiology and molecular diagnostics and establish contemporary PCR technology for the diagnosis of VNN within select Indonesian laboratories. This short-term project on VNN offers considerable potential as a model on which research into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of other significant diseases may be undertaken, providing a basis on which disease control strategies may be integrated into overall aquaculture management programs in Indonesia and Australia.