NCCP: Understanding the genetics and genomics of carp strains and susceptibility to CyHV-3

The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) is tasked by the Australian government to determine the feasibility of using CyHV-3 (Carp herpes virus) as a biocontrol for the invasive common carp. While the assumptions used in the NCCP epidemiological model use best available knowledge to inform assumptions for infection rates among wild carp populations in Australia, this knowledge is based on incomplete evidence. While historical records of past carp introductions indicate that the carp strain known to be resistant to CyHV-3 (Amur River carp) was not among Australian releases, there is not yet a comprehensive identification of carp strains and corresponding resistance to CyHV-3. This investment will identify likely genes responsible for resistance of carp to CyHV-3 and sequence strains of carp and hybrids present in Australia and overseas to make a correlation with the resistance status of wild carp populations in Australia.