On 2 October 2007, DPI hosted the 2nd National Abalone Virus Scientific and Management Forum. The purpose of the forum was to develop a future work program for:
Epidemiology of the disease;
Managing wild stocks - setting TACCs and rebuilding;
Biosecurity within sectors; and
A National biosecurity framework.
The 2nd Forum was attended by over 50 participants from the industry, scientific and policy community with an interest in abalone health. The key outcomes of the Forum were the agreement from all parties that this issue requires a National approach and the development of a draft work plan, which is governed by an appropriate coordinating body. The draft workplan has now been completed and addresses future epidemiology of the disease, managing wild stocks, biosecurity within sectors and a National biosecurity framework.
The FRDC has recently approved $600,000 towards research aimed at improving our understanding of the epidemiology of the virus. Previously, the FRDC has allocated $100,000 to projects associated with the development of biosecurity protocols and stock management.
Considerable progress has been made against many of the objectives of the work plan with projects completed, in progress or planned to be undertaken with funding either obtained or to be further identified. A summary table has been produced on the implementation status of the priority work areas within the Workplan.
To view the following PDF documents you will require Adobe Acrobat Viewer. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link).
The presentations given at the forum are attached below. To view the PDF documents you will require Adobe Acrobat Viewer. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link).