Session I. Experiences and Country Reports on Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD)

1. Experience on Koi Mass Mortality in Indonesia
After Dr. Agus Sunarto’s presentation, the following clarifications were made in response to questions from the body. Screening of broodstock is being done in Indonesia. For KHV detection, two protocols are being used namely those of Gilad’s (9/5 primers) and Gray’s (sph I-5 primers). From running water system (cages), infected fish are transferred to earthen ponds where they survive, probably due to lower stocking density in ponds. The recovery percentage is not known but when the fish are moved back to running water culture system, outbreaks recur. Currently, KHVD
is still expanding or spreading to other areas. Quarantine for 2-3 weeks is recommended before introduction in ponds or other culture areas. Apparently healthy fish are kept for sometime but KHVD positive fish are eventually destroyed. Secondary infections such as Flexibacter columnaris occur in high prevalence with KHVD while prevalence of Argulus is low. Aeromonas is quite common in culture systems. Exportation to Singapore is not very active as there is a temporary ban on koi export.

2. Experience on Common Carp Mass Mortality in Japan
Dr. Motohiko Sano had no specific information on how KHV was introduced to Japan. Regarding the outbreaks that occurred in 2004 despite the Japanese government’s effort to control the movement of infected fish from one area to another, he explained that it is possible that some farmers unknowingly released some infected fish in the river thus it is difficult to control infection in wild populations. However, infections in pond systems have been controlled. He added that there has been no reported KHVD on koi due to the use of underground water. Dr. Gilda Lio-Po asked if there are indications of vertical transmission for KHV. Dr. Sano replied that newly-hatched larvae appear not to be susceptible to KHVD and there is no sufficient information on its occurrence in eggs at present. If the larvae are hatched in the river already contaminated with KHV, outbreaks/infections occur in juveniles. It is a mystery, though, that juvenile dead fish have not been observed in the wild. He further said that he does not have any information on the presence of neutralizing antibodies among broodstock.

3. Current Status on Koi Herpesvirus Disease in Taiwan
Dr. Richard Arthur asked about the state of knowledge on KHV survivors, whether they are possible carriers for life or whether some mechanisms exist to rid themselves of the virus. Dr. Chien Tu replied that survivors can become carriers but there is no scientific basis on how long they can carry the virus. Asked how KHV was introduced to Taiwan, Dr. Tu replied that according to official documents all koi are imported from Japan, but since Taiwan had outbreaks earlier than Japan it is highly possible that it was introduced through illegal importation from an unknown source and country. Since most KHVD outbreaks are in northern Taiwan Dr. Tu said that they have warned farmers in southern Taiwan not to buy fish from northern Taiwan. Dr. Lio-Po relayed information from Dr. Ronald Hedrick that they experienced very high mortality with koi in the USA (South Carolina) that came from Taiwan, and it is highly possible that these came from northern Taiwan. Occurrence of other pathogens (as agents of secondary infection) in KHVD-infected fish is not significant. Mr. Kim Van Van asked why fewer occurrences of the disease were observed in ponds and if the kind of food/feed had to do with it. Dr. Tu replied that fish farmers use artificial feed and it is believed that temperature, instead, has a role in bringing about KHVD outbreaks. Dr. Sano agreed that temperature can be the main predisposing factor, but cautioned that other factors may also be involved. Dr. Sunarto related that there was a study wherein mortality of infected fish was observed in three different temperature ranges. Very high mortality occurred when fish were exposed to 26-30°C and lower mortality was observed when fish were exposed to 20-25°C and at 32°C or higher.

4. Discussion: Country Reports
After the presentation of the country reports, some suggestions and reactions from the participants include the following: 
Dr. Kazuya Nagasawa raised a question on the presence of KHVD in Malaysia. There is information that a Malaysian university scientist detected KHV using PCR such that confirmation is needed. Ms. Faazaz Abd. Latiff said that very few universities in Malaysia do research on fish health but she will try to contact some colleagues to confirm this. Dr. Lio-Po added the information from Dr. Hedrick regarding the isolation of KHV from some infected fish, which came from Malaysia. Ms. Latiff replied that there is no monitoring of KHVD in Malaysia at present but they will start working on it. An issue was also raised whether the Indonesian case can now be called KHVD or still a case of koi mass mortality. Dr. Sunarto replied that based on the information presented to the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) scientists, they believe that the Indonesian koi mass mortality can be classified as KHVD. However, Dr. Michael Phillips said that at present, koi mass mortality should be used until the Asia Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health (AG) meet in Bangkok in November 2004 to decide on the correct term for the outbreak. It seems that there is still no final decision since the histopathological signs are not consistent. Dr. Phillips was glad to note from the country reports that programs have been put in place in many countries to manage and monitor problems about
KHVD. The main issues to be resolved include standardized diagnosis of the disease. In relation to this, Dr. Sunarto, said it is important to establish a link with Dr. Hedrick to standardize the PCR method for KHVD detection. Dr. Leobert de la Peña explained that SEAFDEC/AQD would optimize the procedure (based on Gray’s) and provide training, which will be supported by the Government of Japan Trust Fund (GOJ TF). In addition, a disease card on KHVD is now being developed (c/o Dr. Sano) to set a guideline for disease reporting (e.g. Quarterly OIE/NACA disease reporting system). Dr. Nagasawa raised concerns regarding the unconfirmed report on carp mortality in Lao PDR since the Mekong River runs through four different countries namely, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. It was suggested that a SEAFDEC/AQD surveillance team be dispatched if there is problem with disease diagnosis. Dr. Somkiat Kanchanakhan, and Dr. Sunarto could assist in investigating Lao PDR cases. Dr. Kanchanakhan volunteered that they could provide KHV positive control if there is a need for such. Reacting to Dr. Nagasawa’s comment that Lao PDR is a “KHVD-positive country”, Dr. Phillips suggested that the country should be categorized instead under countries where further research is necessary, along with Malaysia. Also, the term “KHV-free countries” classification should be changed to countries with “no report or information available” as suggested by Dr. Arthur. Mr. Bun Racy expressed that Cambodia needs support in terms of diagnosis to confirm KHVD. Mr. Junichiro Okamoto reiterated the role of SEAFDEC in supporting member countries, especially in disease diagnosis. He added that aside from KHVD, SEAFDEC/AQD should identify mechanisms to respond if one of the member countries has specific concerns about aquatic animal diseases. Dr. Tu inquired about the status of KHVD in terms of its inclusion as an OIE notifiable disease. Dr. Yoshiyuki Oketani replied that if ever there are cases of carp mortality, it should be reported to the OIE head office in Paris, but at present there is still no consensus as to its status as a notifiable disease. OIE is a democratic institution; it accepts all opinions but it follows international standards and systematic procedures. The OIE Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission holds a general assembly to determine whether KHVD can be considered a notifiable disease. Since OIE was a sponsor of the KHVD meeting
in Yokohama, OIE Tokyo is aware of the significance of the disease. It is clear that with the Indonesian carp mortality, along with the cases in US, UK, and Japan, KHVD is a positive agent of the outbreaks, and thus could be considered as an OIE notifiable disease. Noting that KHVD is important in SEA, Japan, UK and the US, Dr. Oketani urged each country to make a strong case, so that discussion could be done in the general assembly. The purpose of the list of diseases is to warn other countries. 

Session 2: Lecture and Country Reports on White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV) of Shrimps

1. Lecture on Transboundary Shrimp Viral Diseases with Emphasis on WSSV and TSV
Dr. Lio-Po asked why despite the presence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) positive shrimps from farms in Bohol Island, Philippines, survey of wild stocks showed negative result. Dr. de la Peña replied that data gathered in the surveillance of WSSV in wild and cultured populations of shrimps from various regions of the Philippines do not show correlation of occurrence. On the production of Litopenaeus vannamei in the Philippines, Dr. Arthur asked what the estimate is. The estimated production of L. vannamei in the Philippines is 3-6% of total and the possibility of increase may be unlikely because of heightened Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) crackdown on illegal shipments at ports of entry and augmented regulations to combat the
entry of exotic species. Dr. Jurgenne Primavera pointed out an observation among farmers that mass mortalities of crustaceans happen during the cold months of the year.
According to Dr. de la Peña, results of their extensive sampling shows a season related higher prevalence of viruses in the dry season in the Philippines which correlates with the cold months of December to February. 

2. Discussion: Country Reports
Brunei has facilities for viral detection, but staff availability is inadequate.Following this comment was an interesting discussion about IHHNV and L. stylirostris, and the biosecurity of broodstock facilities in Brunei. Ms. Hamid assured the group that the Broodstock Development Center in Brunei is “biosecure”, but offered no further details. With Indonesia’s report on the occurrence of Taura syndrome virus (TSV), a question about its source was asked, but according to Dr. Sunarto, the source of TSV is now difficult to trace since L. vannamei culture was already recorded in 1999, 2 years before its official importation in 2001. The TSV outbreak was reported in 2003. Furthermore, WSSV has caused mortalities in L. vannamei cultured in Indonesia, but TSV has not yet been reported in P. monodon. Despite the problems cropping up in the culture of L. vannamei, farmers still continue farming the species. Dr. Celia Lavilla-Pitogo commented that the rapid development of L. vannamei culture did not happen the same for L. stylirostris, which has been in Asia for several years with no disease reports. The group discussion also pointed out that included among imported batches of exotic shrimps were postlarvae (PLs) for direct stocking in ponds, in violation of existing ICES guidelines on introduction of exotic species. The group recognized that the guideline is not legally binding, thus each importing country needs to do risk assessment to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of importations. After Myanmar’s report by U Saw New Year that shrimp PLs are imported from Thailand, Dr. Kanchankhan informed the body that shrimps
imported from Thailand are accompanied by certificate from the Director General of the Department of Fisheries. Exports without this document are illegal or not approved. Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo asked about precautionary measures that the Philippine BFAR adopted in allowing importation of Macrobrachium rosenbergii since there was no diagnosis for viral pathogens. Ms. Simeona Regidor replied that BFAR allowed the importation based on the accompanying Health Certificate from the exporting country, which was Thailand. In discussing the country report of Thailand, IHHNV was again the focus of discussion. Dr. Kanchanakhan mentioned that the virus is reported in apparently healthy shrimp and widespread in P. monodon. It may be associated with populations that exhibit slow growth. The group recognized that despite the availability of PCR analysis to determine the virus carrier status of shrimp postlarval batches prior to marketing and stocking, not all WSSV-positive PLs are destroyed. There are farmers that are not meticulous about the health status of PLs that they purchase and stock in ponds. This is most especially among farmers who have had good harvests despite diagnosed virus-positive initial stocks. There are countries in SEA with no or relatively small shrimp culture industry like Lao PDR and Singapore. Countries like Singapore and Brunei can watch their industry closely, while there are countries, like Cambodia, that need assistance to develop or upgrade their capability or facilities for shrimp viral disease diagnosis. Important information that need to be gathered include the possible “jump” of exotic pathogens to local species of shrimps, the effect of IHHNV on shrimps, and to determine the presence of L. vannamei in the wild. During the General Discussion, the group discussed transparency in disease reporting, and in control and preventive measures. When disease first occurs in a country, concerned countries should send samples to OIE reference laboratory. Thailand has been transparent with disease reporting with its publication of quarterly reports, which its trading partners value. Dr. Nagasawa maintained that WSSV is different from newly introduced
cases like TSV and KHV since the virus has now established in culture farms and in the wild. Therefore, there is now a need to identify measures to control and prevent WSSV. Dr. de la Peña related that the Philippines has put in place several measures to prevent WSSV in the grow-out phase such as adherence to codes of conduct and best-practice methods. Dr. Kanchanakhan declared that in Thailand, the measures depended on policy. Difficulty in controlling the problem is due to infected broodstock (P. monodon). With private sector agreement, the use of L. vannamei has become widespread. Thailand now has a program to develop SPF stocks for all 4 shrimp viruses. Two companies are engaged in it and are planning to distribute postlarvae from breeders obtained from Florida and Hawaii in the USA. The SPF status, however, should be maintained through a genetics program. Dr. Tu observed that there have been some problems with SPF broodstock in Taiwan due to low productivity after a few generations, and suggested that there should be genetic experts who will work on selecting best growing ones from postlarvae reared in ponds in Thailand, and consequently used as breeders.

Session 3: Lecture and Country Reports on Quarantine Services of Diseases of Aquatic Animals

1. The Role of Quarantine in Preventing the Spread of Serious Pathogens of Aquatic Animals in Southeast Asia
It was noted that most quarantine programs in the region are not effective. This could be partly due to the lag time between disease emergence, first recognition and development of diagnostic techniques, limited funding and personnel capability. Regarding originally imported stock of SPF L. vannamei, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo asked if there are any agreed upon guidelines or treaty on what to do with the stock if disease outbreak occurs. Dr. Arthur replied that there is none and it depends on the capability of the importing country to conduct accurate diagnosis and maintain biosecurity. He also recommended importing eggs instead of SPF broodstock because eggs are less likely to contain a number of pathogens, easier to disinfect, and the number of potential pathogens are certainly reduced by moving eggs instead of juveniles or older animals. Dr. Phillips added that if SPF stocks are brought in and placed in an environment which is not controlled, they breed and are also known as SPF but in growing the second generation, they may pick up white spot or Taura syndrome, and thus lose their SPF status. Also, there are countries importing SPF stocks with certificates that are not valid. Importing countries should be careful, and make sure that exporting countries have the competence and transparency to guarantee that what they have are really SPF stocks. Dr. Kanchanakhan declared that the Department of Fisheries of Thailand approved the importation of SPF for some hatcheries provided they have a genetic improvement program and biosecure facilities to maintain the SPF status of the next generations. He said many
requests are received from private hatcheries. Their quarantine facilities inside the hatcheries are inspected and their genetic programs are screened. Ms. Hamid related Brunei’s experience with SPF, which started in late 2001. From SPF broodstock imported from Mexico, first generation PLs were reared to broodstock, which were used to produce 2nd and 3rd generation PLs. A consultant is looking at their SPF program but the findings and status are not presently available. Dr. Arthur expressed interest in Brunei’s experience since he is carrying out import risk analysis of L. stylirostris for Fiji and one of the issues is the health status of the shrimp. Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo commented that from scientific literature, IHHNV, which is native to Asia, is a serious pathogen of L. stylirostris because it wiped out broodstocks in Hawaii a decade ago. She said that Brunei must be rearing them in really biosecure facilities but if it is the same strain as that which was wiped out a decade ago, then it may not last long in ponds in Asia. Ms. Hamid assured that a big broodstock
development center with capability for screening of viruses, and good production exists in Brunei at present. She said Brunei’s shrimp production increased dramatically with L. stylirostris with exports to USA and Japan. Farmers are now happy with L. stylirostris and do not want to culture P. monodon any longer. 

2. Quarantine Requirements for Importation of Aquatic Animals into Taiwan, ROC
Dr. Tu said Taiwan’s quarantine program for postlarvae and spawners of crustacean was implemented in March/April of 2004 according to the information from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine. Dr. Kanchanakhan asked why Taiwan is monitoring EHNV in perch noting that it is a disease of a different species of perch in Australia and not of Lates calcarifer. Dr. Tu replied that monitoring is done because the disease is very severe. Originally from Australia, the disease is now in Southeast Asia, and the government is afraid of its possible introduction into Taiwan. Regarding its diagnosis, the PCR assay is adequate. Dr. Kanchanakhan volunteered information that, in Thailand, they monitor EHNV for 2 years already but since sea bass stays in brackishwater, they were unable to detect EHNV. He said it might be possible to detect it in freshwater if the OIE protocol is used. Mr. Kim asked whether quarantine is being done for VNN in grouper. Dr. Tu replied that quarantine for VNN is not included because the government thinks that it is not much of a risk factor, but added that Taiwan is positive for VNN. 

3. Discussion: Country Reports
In Brunei, Ms. Hamid said that they use Level I and PCR for their quarantine inspection. Cambodia on the other hand has no quarantine program and cannot issue a health certificate. Also, Lao PDR cannot issue a health certificate since only zoonotic diseases are being checked. Noting that Dr.
Sunarto listed luminous bacteria as introduced species, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo clarified that vibrios are not in the disease list because they are ubiquitous in the environment. About Indonesia’s diagnostic capability for detection of parasites, particularly protozoans, Dr. Sunarto ackowledged that they have a pressing problem regarding expertise to diagnose parasitic diseases and that they needed support to enhance their diagnostic capability. Dr. Arthur added that support for conventional diagnostic methods, e.g. taxonomy for parasites, should be encouraged. Asked about the species affected by the listed diseases, Dr. Sunarto replied that they are both from ornamental and cultured fish. He added that there are two categories for the list of quarantined fish in Indonesia: treatable and non-treatable. Some diseases, like those cause by bacteria, can be treated and if the fish is free of the disease after treatment, then it can be released, but if it cannot be treated, then it is refused. Since Indonesia has a long list of diseases and some may not be found in the OIE list, Dr. Phillips suggested that import risk analysis be done to have a science-based argument on why importation of certain species are not allowed even though they are not in the OIE list. In Thailand, Dr. Kanchanakhan disclosed that both live aquatic animal 
and fishery products are subjected to quarantine. Upon arrival, raw and frozen shrimp are quarantined in the importer’s cold storage (2-3 weeks) where the shipments are verified and analyzed for bacteria that are harmful to humans, as well as drug residues. The quarantine system will get very stringent and will be done by species and by disease. The quarantine officer will receive instructions from the Department of Fisheries on which animals should be quarantined and which disease needs to be checked. At the moment L. vannamei importation will push through. Dr. Primavera asked if aquarium fish goes through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources noting that Philippine authorities seem to be inconsistent with its inspection scheme (e.g., in the importation of aquarium fish and Cherax sp.). Ms. Regidor replied that there is adequate legislation but the implementing guidelines are often not in place. For quarantine of soft-shelled turtle in Vietnam, Mr. Kim said that the animal is checked using Level I diagnosis at the border. Dr. Tu added that in case a fish farm wants to export some fish in Taiwan, monitoring of the facility is done 4 times a year. Dr. Lio-Po observed that even with quarantine services and policies present, there is still spread/occurrence of diseases. Dr. Sunarto replied that there is a need to improve capability of quarantine inspectors, and that they should be properly armed with enough knowledge and information. He said that in Indonesia, quarantine service has been there for 20 years but no significant achievements have been done. Dr. Lio-Po related that the Philippine quarantine service has been successful in delaying the entry of WSSV through the ban in importation of crustaceans, and is now running after P. vannamei. Dr. Kanchanakhan avers that Thailand cannot ban importation without scientific basis. Dr. Nagasawa noted that Vietnam has included Diphyllobothrium in the list. He suspects it may be Diplogonoporus since Diphyllobothrium tapeworms are mostly subarctic or temperate species. The list need revision as well as Singapore’s where gill flatworms of genus Dactylogyrus are reported to infect marine fish but are in fact freshwater parasites.

Session 4: Lecture and Country Reports on Surveillance, Monitoring and Diagnosis of Diseases of Aquatic Animals

1. OIE’s Role in Animal Health Improvement Including Aquatic Animals
The discussion focused on representation to OIE meetings and in-country coordination among the livestock and fisheries sectors. Dr. Kanchanakhan proposed that not only livestock but fishery officers must also be involved in OIE meetings in Paris. He said that there are also many experts in fisheries and sometimes it takes time to get the message from the livestock to the fisheries department. Dr. Oketani said he realized that many Asian countries have separate livestock and fisheries departments. Many countries in the world also have separate livestock and fisheries departments but they maintain good coordination. Participation in OIE meetings is possible but there is only one national delegate with the right to vote. A few countries participate irregularly on observer status in the OIE general assembly. Mr. Okamoto said that incountry coordination should be improved because in almost all countries, the veterinary authorities are the national representatives to OIE meetings, which has been the practice since the OIE started. Referring to the proposed draft of the Code of Aquatic Animal Health Dr. Oketani said each member country had been informed regarding the draft code for them to be involved in its development. But he acknowledged that fisheries authorities may not have been properly informed about the process and there may be a need to manage the in-country coordination between the veterinary and fisheries authorities. Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo volunteered that during the OIE regional meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in November 2003, a document entitled “Update on Developments in Aquatic Animal Diseases” was presented by Dr. Eva Maria Bernoth, president of the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission. The paper discussed the coordination between authorities responsible for aquatic animal health and livestock, disease reporting and cooperation with OIE of 14 OIE member countries in the region. Dr. Phillips remarked that every country in the Asia-Pacific region does have a designated coordinator for aquatic animal health that has a responsibility for coordinating with OIE and NACA regarding aquatic animal health disease reporting. They would have been informed of the outcome of the Regional Aquatic Animal Health Advisory Group that met in November and meets every year now. There is some reference to the need to improve communication at all levels, i.e., between veterinary and fisheries authorities, as well as within fisheries authorities). During the regional meeting last November, there was a recommendation to disseminate OIE standards and to send all aquatic animal report to all levels because many feel that the documents go to the veterinary office and do not find their way to the fisheries office. Dr. Oketani asserted that aquatic animal health reports and manual is distributed through the national
delegate and the draft code and manual is distributed through the OIE delegate website. Fisheries people can get the draft and make a comment. Relatively good relations are maintained between veterinary and fishery authorities in Asia, so they can easily make requests and comments to reflect the Asian voice. But he notes that Asian countries are silent. Dr. Primavera asked if it is
difficult to have both representatives to OIE considering that terrestrial animals have no overlap with aquatic animals. Dr. Oketani explained that the OIE constitution states that OIE should keep direct contact with highest-ranking veterinary officer. So, all OIE national delegates are veterinary officers. The constitution also declares that OIE cannot touch the domestic system of its member countries.

2. Discussion: Country Reports
Dr. Lio-Po asked about the regularity of sampling in the KHV survey in Indonesia. Dr. Sunarto replied that sampling every 3 months was planned but they could not implement it due to lack of manpower. About the questions covered in the questionnaire and the measures undertaken to ensure that respondents correctly record the disease, Dr. Sunarto explained that the questionnaire has three parts: (1) formal letter; (2) questions regarding the farm and presence or absence of KHV and (3) attached brochure/photo guide to help respondents identify the disease, and questions regarding first occurrence to determine disease progression or spread. He cautioned that some inaccuracies might exist as only clinical signs (Level I) were used to identify the disease. He then asked Dr. Arthur’s idea on how to conduct a surveillance program in a country with limited resources and yet produce results that are scientifically acceptable. Dr. Arthur replied that epidemiologists could probably help in this respect. He recalled that as part of the FAO project there was a surveillance project set up in Indonesia headed by Dr. Angus Cameron. It was not based on advanced diagnostic techniques but on field observations. He suggested using such a program to carry out the initial screening before applying Level II or Level III diagnostic techniques. Noting that it takes a certain period of time for the pathogen to accumulate, Dr. Kanchanakhan thinks disease has spread too rapidly in Indonesia and Japan compared to EUS, which took 2-3 years to appear in a new country. Dr. Arthur thinks the difference probably is that EUS spread was through movement of wild fish, whereas in the case of KHV in Indonesia it was human mediated, through people carrying fish in airplanes and trucks. The discussion then shifted to diagnostic levels and the diseases being placed in the watch list in different countries. It was agreed that if diagnosis requires only histopathological changes to be examined, it is considered Level II, but if gene probe is used (e.g. in situ hybridization), which is a molecular technique, the diagnostic level is Level III. Dr. Nagasawa asked why isopodiasis is included in the list of economically important diseases in the Philippines despite being present only in Lake Taal. Ms. Regidor replied that they have to watch it and put it in the list owing to a possibility for the disease to spread to other parts of the country. Dr. Nagasawa commented that since there are few parasitologists who can identify the molluscan parasites in the Southeast Asian region, especially protozoans, there is a need to train more parasitologists working on protozoan parasites of mollusks. Dr. Kanchanakhan mentioned that IHHNV is carried by P. monodon and L. vannamei. It is in the monitoring list because during quarantine, a certification is required that shrimps are free of the disease. Emergency measures are being developed but the target is TSV because L. vannamei is newly introduced in the region and importers want the postlarvae to be free of infectious viral disease.
Mr. Kim raised concern about diagnostic techniques. He said there are diagnostic labs in the provinces without equipment, they cannot do Level II diagnosis, but they have a PCR machine. He asked how such labs should be classified. Dr. Sunarto said he uses a different approach. He puts Level I plus PCR, or Level II plus PCR. He stressed that sometimes people are confused what diagnostic levels or laboratory levels mean. He said that classification should not be put on the laboratory but rather on the technique. Regarding diagnostic levels, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo related that there was a long debate about it during the Advisory Group meeting at NACA last November 2003 because it is giving people some impression that if one is using Level III of diagnosis then he is doing really good diagnosis which is not the case. 

Session 5: Research and Training on Diseases of Aquatic Animals

1. Research and Training on Aquatic Animals in Southeast Asia 
The discussion centered on the need to develop epidemiology in the region and how this might be accelerated. Dr. Elena Catap inquired if there was a follow-up to the epidemiology workshop in Australia last November 2002.
Dr. Phillips replied that the level of awareness has gone up but there is still a need to develop the expertise further. Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo suggested that to fast track the increase in capability in epidemiology, veterinarians should be invited to participate in these workshops. On Dr. Phillip’s comment to incorporate epidemiology in AQD’s AquaHealth Online course, she said that, although
absent in the current module, epidemiology could be included if there is an expert to prepare and mentor the module. The issue of lack of funding was also raised. Noting that research and training is recognized to be essential in disease control, Dr. Kanchanakhan asked how lack of funding could be overcome in the region. Dr. Phillips replied that Japan and other donors have helped in capacity building but observed that other countries may have other priorities. He suggested that countries with international trade activity should invest in disease control programs.

2. Discussion:Country Reports
Regarding the extent of government support for research and training needs in Indonesia, Dr. Sunarto said that some research projects have FAO funding and although the government funds routine projects, the funding is not enough to invite experts. Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo commented that some private companies give funds for research. Dr. Arthur noted, however, that companies claim
proprietary rights and important information may be withheld. Mr. Okamoto observed that majority of the member countries has a comprehensive list of training needs. From SEAFDEC’s point of view, AQD has the role to answer/ support these needs. But AQD should identify priority training needs it will support.

3. Research and Training on Fish Diseases at the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center in 2000-2004: A Review 
Regarding the GOJ TF Project, Dr. Nagasawa said that the focus of Phase 1 was on shrimp and fish disease while Phase 2 which will start in August or September will include mollusk disease specifically parasites of mollusks. The study can be done in the Philippines and Thailand. Concerning the need for a long course on histopathology, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo said that histopathology workers should be immersed in their work because it takes a long time to really learn it. Dr. Nagasawa added that it is similar with fish parasitology, wherein a trained eye is important. Elaborating on AQD AquaHealth Online course, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo explained that the course was conceived and implemented due to lack of funds for the regular hands-on course. Succesful on-line trainees can take the handson course, which can be done in other laboratories, e.g. AAHRI. Mr. Kim who was an online student, volunteered that he enjoyed the on-line course. Besides being inexpensive, there is no need to travel, and one can perform regular work aside from doing the course. Dr. Nagasawa, who offers to fund the course, said that former participants were from ASEAN countries but participants from other countries are also welcome. Dr. Phillips revealed that they have sent people from India for the on-line course. He said that NACA would be glad to co-work on the development of other modules needed by the region. To spread the impact of the training, he supports the idea of doing the hands-on in other countries. Other countries may also use the module to have a wider impact. Noting that trainees usually come from different  backgrounds, Dr. Lavilla-Pitogo added that the modules could be tailored to fit the need of the trainee. But since module specialists also do research and mentoring part is time-consuming, trainees who have basic knowledge may skip the basic parts. Dr. Nagasawa projected that elearning can also contribute to the establishment of future networking in fish surveillance. Dr. Nagasawa observed that some participants mentioned no research activity in their country reports, but understood the financial constraints besetting most Southeast Asian countries. He said that although budget is limited, the GOJ TF Fish Disease Project is for the region and he intends to invite other institutes to collaborate with SEAFDEC/AQD. Dr. Lio-Po inquired about the occurrence of the emerging disease spring viremia of carp and grass carp hemorrhagic viral disease, which was mentioned only by Vietnam, although included as one of the notifiable diseases in Thailand. Dr. Kanchanakhan replied that spring viremia was added in their monitoring list because they issue health certificate similar to Singapore’s and they needed to make sure that they certify based on scientific background. Monitoring is done with the use VF2 cell line but so far no virus has been isolated. If they find one they will follow it up with RT-PCR to confirm for spring viremia of carp (SVC). It was clarified that SVC is not yet in Asia. As for the grass carp hemorrhagic septicemia, it is found only in Vietnam and China. In Thailand, Reovirus occurs in snakehead but it is different from the Reovirus described in the literature. Dr. Sano raised the issue of proper disease identification for its monitoring and surveillance. He asked whether grouper iridovirus could be distinguished from red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) in grouper. Dr. Kanchanakhan replied that there are at least 2 different grouper iridoviruses in Thailand and they are different from RSIV. Since the primer used for RSIV did not give positive results for grouper iridovirus, he claimed differentiating the viruses is not difficult. Dr. Sano clarified that he mentioned only Ranavirus in the disease card of grouper iridovirus. Reacting to Dr. Kanchanakhan’s statement that Ranavirus is a similar virus to RSIV, he inquired whether it could in fact be RSIV. Dr. Kanchanakhan replied that Singapore scientists reported Ranavirus in marine fish, but said Ranavirus is never found in marine fish in Thailand. Dr. Sunarto declared he uses the RSIV primer and it detects the iridovirus in sea bass and grouper very well. Dr. Sano stressed that laboratories should distinguish between RSIV and iridovirus infection in grouper. He thinks that they are some similar viruses to RSIV. However, since the OIE manual claims that the primer for RSIV does not work for similar viruses, it may be necessary to modify the manual. Also, he is not aware of any evidence for two types of RSIV in Asia. He requests the body if they have evidence, to send a report to OIE reference laboratory so a revision can be made. He believes RSIV infected a variety of marine fishes. Reacting to Dr. Kanchanakhan’s comments Dr. Ling Kai Huat disclosed that a Chinese scientist working in Singapore did the research. He is not sure how Ranavirus came to infect marine fish in Singapore. He said he will try to find out about it when he goes back. Dr. Lio-Po added that there are two iridoviruses reported in Singapore. One is grouper iridovirus  and another is Singapore iridovirus. Dr. Phillips hoped that Dr. Sano and Dr. Kanchanakhan could work together to revise the disease card if there is a need to do it. Dr. Primavera suggested that, from an ecological point of view and if funds are available, it might be good to do a regular sampling on wild populations for the presence of L. vannamei. A sampling protocol can be developed and see what penaeid species can be collected and also their pathogens because no matter how farms are kept biosecure there will be escapees. Dr. Phillips disclosed that in Thailand, the Department of Fisheries has done an extensive review of L. vannamei and one of the strong recommendations was to do an ecological monitoring of penaeid fisheries. L. vannamei has been appearing in wild catches in many countries in the region but whether they are breeding is a big question. In Brazil a lot of exotic species have been introduced but they do not apparently breed. There is also research being done on the susceptibility of other crustacean species to TSV apart from P. monodon. Some species are certainly more susceptible than others. This is an area that needs more research and caution since TSV certainly affects other species although it does not affect P. monodon as much as L. vannamei. Dr. Kanchanakhan added that the Thai government has spent millions of baht to do risk analysis for introduction of L. vannamei and consultation with all stakeholders. After it came out with the risk analysis, it introduced a limited number of breeders for a certain period of time, and proposed introduction with genetic improvement, which is what is being done at the moment.