ACIAR PROJECT

CONTROL OF NODAVIRAL DISEASE IN TROPICAL MARINE FINFISH HATCHERIES: ENHANCED BIOSECURITY THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF CONTEMPORARY BIOTECHNOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATHOBIOLOGY

5th – 12th September 2009, The University of Sydney, Camden

Professor Richard Whittington, Dr John Humphrey and Dr Joy Becker hosted a contingent of four Indonesian laboratory personnel from 5th – 12th September to a workshop on VNN. Also vital in training that week were Dr Navneet Dhand, Mrs Alison Tweedie and Mr Paul Hick.
The workshop was a great success, largely due to the dedication and hard work of the participants. A very busy and challenging program was put together. It began with theory and practical aspects of disease diagnosis, and finished up with the latest molecular diagnostic techniques. Along the way they covered the theory of sample collection, and testing to prove freedom from VNN in batches of fish.

There were many practical sessions and hands-on training. This program was designed so that much of the information could be applied for diagnosis and control of many fish diseases. A range of examples was used during the workshop to illustrate principles. The group size was kept very low (4 participants), and there were six trainers involved. In this way it was hoped that each of the participants received the maximum possible advantage from attendance, and would return home to Indonesia to teach others.

The group were delighted to be able to assist in efforts to control VNN through the support received from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.