ESTABLISHMENT AND STANDARDIZATION OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

In Southeast Asia, various viral diseases have been reported from cultured shrimp and fish, causing devastating losses in aquaculture production. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and viral nervous necrosis (VNN) of marine fish are well known examples of such viral diseases in the region. Research in this category was undertaken to establish and standardize diagnostic techniques, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methods, for viral diseases, which are applicable and practical in the region. Some research studies were conducted to survey the distribution, occurrence and prevalence of important viral diseases. There was also a study to prevent and control VNN infection in the marine finfish hatchery.

1. Standardization of diagnostic methods for viral diseases of shrimps (SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department [AQD], 2000)

2. Standardization of PCR technique as the detection method for WSSV infection in Penaeus monodon (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2001)

3. Development of shrimp cell culture in vitro (Marine Shrimp Research and Development Center [MSRDC], Thailand, 2001-2002)

4. Standardization of diagnostic methods for monodon baculovirus (MBV) and hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV): Establishment of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against MBV and HPV (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2001-2003)

5. Epizootiology of economically-important viral diseases of wild Penaeus monodon (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2000-2003)

6. Viral diseases of cultured marine fishes in Southeast Asia

6-1. Detection and identification of viral pathogens in cultured marine finfishes in the Philippines (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2001-2003)

6-2. A viral survey in diseased grouper in Thailand using virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique (Inland Aquatic Animal Health Research Institute [Inland AAHRI], Thailand, 2001-2002)

6-3. Survey of iridoviral disease in freshwater fishes in Thailand (Inland AAHRI, Thailand, 2003)

7. Establishment of preventive measures against viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in fish broodstocks: (1) grouper, (2) milkfish, (3) red snapper, and (4) sea bass (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2001-2003)