DNA discovery may lead to cure for abalone killer
Chee Chee Leung
Victorian scientists have sequenced the DNA of a deadly virus that has devastated abalone reefs — a major step in understanding more about the deadly disease.
The herpes-like virus, which affects the abalone's nervous system, was first detected on commercial farms in 2005, and has since spread to wild populations across the state's south-west coast.
DNA sequencing over the past year by staff at the Department of Primary Industries has revealed the virus is a unique strain that has not previously been identified.
Fisheries Victoria said the DNA profile would also help authorities develop quicker and more accurate tests for the disease. "It's a major step in combating these sort of things," said Fisheries Victoria executive director, Peter Appleford. Currently researchers only know an abalone has the virus if it is sick and showing signs of the illness, he said.
Better tests could allow them to work out if the virus is present in animals without symptoms, helping to determine the true extent of the disease in the wild.
Deaths continue to occur and spread, and while the virus has not been found in other states, it is getting closer to the South Australian border.
Although the spread of the virus over the past few months has been limited, Dr Appleford said authorities were "working on the assumption that it will continue to move". Plans are under way to establish a national group to look at ways of managing the disease and halting its spread.
The Victorian Abalone Divers Association estimates the state's abalone export market, previously worth $75 million a year, has been reduced by about 150 tonnes due to the virus.
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