Use of molecular tools for mollusc disease diagnosis

Recently, an increasing number of research teams are engaged in developing DNA-based diagnostic techniques for mollusc pathogens. These techniques are slowly moving from development in specialised laboratories for research purposes, to routine application and are expected to find an increasing use in routine disease monitoring programs in mollusc aquaculture and in efforts to prevent the spread of pathogens within and between nations. Considering the probable development and interest in these diagnostic techniques, the potential for wide applications in aquaculture and the inherent problems currently associated with their use, it appears necessary to address these issues. The objectives of the workshop, held during the ninth conference of the European Association of Fish Pathologists (19-24 September 1999), were to: evaluate needs for molecular diagnostic techniques for the principal diseases of molluscs; identify areas where the introduction and use of molecular and related technologies (DNA-based and immunological) are likely to have a significant impact on improving mollusc disease diagnosis; review the status of research towards meeting these needs; and make recommendations for research programs to be developed to produce, standardise and validate molecular diagnostic tools for major mollusc pathogens.