Abalone populations are increasingly threatened by Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG), caused by Haliotid herpesvirus 1 (HaHV-1), which has led to significant mortality (90%) and severe economic losses in both wild and farmed species across Asia and Australia. Traditional prevention methods rely on biosecurity measures, which are often impractical for ocean-based farms, and conventional vaccines are ineffective due to abalone’s lack of adaptive immunity. To address these challenges, research is focusing on immune priming as a novel strategy. Immune priming, previously successful in molluscs like oysters, involves pre-exposing abalone to immune stimulants or pathogen mimics to enhance their natural resistance to viral infections, offering a potential solution for managing AVG.
This research investigates immune priming agents and delivery methods, such as immersion and feed platforms, aimed at boosting abalone's antiviral immune response to HaHV-1. By combining immune priming with biosecurity measures, the goal is to reduce AVG-related mortality and economic loss while promoting resilience in marine ecosystems. Through large-scale immune priming and antiviral interventions, these efforts seek to maintain the health and biodiversity of marine ecosystems, ensuring that abalone and other species continue to thrive in the face of viral threats.