Topic outline
Reference laboratory for Oncorhynchus masou virus disease × SDGs
Fish and shellfish are valuable sources of protein. In order to ensure a stable supply of fish and shellfish through aquaculture, it is important to prevent infectious diseases of the farmed organisms. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), an international organization with 182 countries and regions around the world that aims to improving animal health worldwide, provides technical support and advice to help control and eradicate diseases. We will continue to contribute to the SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by developing diagnostic methods and establishing control measures for salmonid viral diseases.
Overview of laboratory
The OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) is the intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide. The OIE recognizes world-leading research organizations and specialists as collaborating centers and reference laboratory. OIE Reference Laboratories are designated to pursue scientific and technical problems relating to a named disease or pathogen.
Reference laboratories in Hokkaido University
- Avian influenza (Research Center for Zoonosis Control)
- Oncorhynchus masou virus disease (Faculty of Fisheries Sciences)
Move to homepage of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, related to fish disease
Contributing to the Control of Fish Diseases
As a Reference Laboratory for Oncorhynchus masou virus disease (OMVD), our research aimed to contain and eradicate OMVD before spreading worldwide.
・ Measures against emerging OMV infections in rainbow trout (Yoshimizu et al., 2017)
・ Developing OMVD vaccines (Furihata, Ph.D thesis, 2008)
・ Development of an antibody-based method for detecting anamnesis (Kim et al., 2008)
・ Developing a Novel Immunization Method Using Interferon-Inducing Agents (Nishikawa et al., 2019)
OIE Reference Laboratories are required to be highly accurate in the diagnosis
→ achieve accreditation to ISO/IEC17025 in order to maintain quality management system
ISO17025 control system (Education Office for Safety and Sustainability, accredited in October 2017)
Laboratory Management: Professor YASUI Hajime
Quality Manager: Associate Professor KASAI Hisae
Technical Manager: Associate Professor TODO Takashi
Newly established infected fish rooms
With the development of an infected fish breeding room equipped with sterilization facilities for rearing wastewater, research for the diseases specified by the Japanese government become possible.
→ Engage in research on the prevention of non-invasive diseases in Japan