Faculty of Veterinary Science Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health

425 Werombi Road, Camden (Private Bag 3) NSW 2570 AUSTRALIA

Professor Richard Whittington

Shute Building C01 Telephone +61 2 9351 1619 Facsimile +61 2 9351 1618 Email: richardw@camden.usyd.edu.au

5th June 2009 Mr Romi Novriadi Balai Budidaya Laut Batam PO Box 60 Sekupang Batam 29422 INDONESIA RE: ACIAR SRA project FIS/2005/137 Control of nodaviral disease in tropical marine finfish hatcheries: enhanced biosecurity through the application of contemporary biotechnology, epidemiology and pathobiology Dear Mr Novriadi, A new Small Research Activity project funded through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has just commenced. The specific objectives of this short-term project are to: 1. Evaluate : (a) current biosecurity measures in select Indonesian marine finfish hatcheries; and, (b) current diagnostic capacity in select Indonesian laboratories as a basis for determining

functional and operational improvements in hatchery management and control of VNN. 2. Enhance the knowledge base of Indonesian laboratory staff in aquatic animal pathology,

epidemiology and molecular diagnostics through training workshops at the University of Sydney focussing on the use and limitations of PCR as a research tool to investigate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of VNN.

3. Establish contemporary PCR technology for the diagnosis of VNN within select Indonesian laboratories through transfer of technology supported by on-going collaboration and quality assurance standards.

This short-term project on VNN offers considerable potential as a model on which research into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of other significant diseases may be undertaken, providing a basis on which disease control strategies may be integrated into overall aquaculture management programs in Indonesia and Australia. In order meet objectives 2 and 3 a training workshop will be held in Sydney from 5th – 13th September inclusive. This workshop will provide theoretical and practical training in the detection

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of disease caused by nodavirus (nervous necrosis virus, VNN). Specifically it will address new PCR methodology, and its application in a diagnostic setting. I have great pleasure in inviting you to attend this workshop following your nomination by Dr Ketut Sugama. A draft outline of the workshop and a suggested itinerary for your journey are appended to this letter. All travel costs including air fares, accommodation plus out of pocket expenses that are incurred by participants will be met from ACIAR project funds. I would appreciate receipt of your acceptance of this invitation by 30th June. Yours sincerely Professor Richard Whittington Chair Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health cc: Dr Ketut Sugama Director Seed Development Directorate General of Aquaculture Jl. Harsono RM No. 3, Pasar Minggu Jakarta INDONESIA

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Appendix

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Saturday 5th Sept Arrive Sydney, overnight Sydney Sunday 6th Sept Travel to Camden, welcome dinner Monday 7th Sept Workshop Tuesday 8th Sept Workshop Wednesday 9th Sept Workshop Thursday 10th Sept Workshop Friday 11th Sept Workshop Saturday 12th Sept Travel to Sydney, overnight Sydney Sunday 13th Sept Depart Sydney

Draft outline of workshop Monday Lectures: Introduction to NNV disease and diagnosis; tissue preparation methods and cell culture Practical: tissue preparation methods for PCR and cell culture Tuesday Lectures: purification of nucleic acids; conventional and real time PCR for detection of NNV Practical: nucleic acid purification; two tube PCR for NNV Evening lecture and discussion session Wednesday Lectures: sampling strategies to detect NNV - certification compared to diagnosis Practical: nucleic acid purification; real time PCR Thursday Lectures: the diagnostic process - infection compared to disease Practical: post mortem techniques; tissue preparation, manual and automated nucleic acid purification; conventional and real time PCR Evening lecture and discussion session Friday Lectures: investigation of disease outbreaks - epidemiology and pathology Practical: outbreak investigation; use of ancillary laboratory aids Workshop closing session.