National Arbovirus Monitoring Program Funding 2019/20
Did you know Australian herds are monitored for insect borne viruses to protect international trade?
| Project start date: | 19 December 2019 |
| Project end date: | 31 December 2020 |
| Publication date: | 08 April 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Viruses that spread via insect vectors (arboviruses) present an impediment to international trade. The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) is an ongoing program that provides data on the nature and distribution of arboviruses in Australia for use by the Australian Government and livestock exporters. NAMP has three objectives; market access-facilitating export of livestock and their reproductive material, early warning of incursions of exotic strains of bluetongue virus into Australia, and risk management to detect changes in the seasonal distribution of endemic bluetongue, Akabane and BEF viruses and their vectors, to inform livestock producers and support trade. This project performed surveillance to determine the geographic distribution of arboviruses and their vectors. Data was gathered by sampling sentinel herds, other strategic herds and by trapping insect vectors. The results informed the maintenance and reporting of the Australian bluetongue virus transmission zone map to stakeholders. This data allows export partners to have confidence that Australian livestock products are sourced from areas free of the specified arboviruses.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to perform surveillance to determine the geographic distribution of three important arboviruses and their vectors.
Key findings
Animal Health Australia provided an annual report to program funder stakeholders on 29 November 2019 by papers presented to the NAMP Steering Committee. A detailed management report (2018-19 arbovirus season) was prepared, including information on monitoring activities and program performance, vector and virus distribution, budgets and expenditure and any changes required to the program. The public-facing, current Australian bluetongue virus transmission zone map was maintained, and additionally, distributions of Akabane and bovine ephemeral fever virus were mapped in the NAMP Report 2018-19 published in January 2020.
Benefits to industry
Australia’s economy benefits from exporting ruminant livestock and their genetic material (semen and embryos). This trade depends upon shared confidence between Australia and its trading partners that risks to the animal health status of the importing country can be accurately assessed and properly managed. NAMP underpins Australian Government export certification that Australian ruminants are sourced from areas free from transmission of these specified arboviruses.
Future research
This is an ongoing monitoring program.
