Project Summary

1. Project ID
Name	Training Video on the isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by Gene Probe Analysis
Region	Gulf of Mexico Region
State	Gulf-wide
Location
Date of this update	9/1/00

2. Problem(s) addressed (check one or more)
Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other: Produce training video to identify Vibrio parahaemolyticus

3. Project description (100 words or less)

To provide an alternative means of training in the gene probe methodology for Vibrio parahaemolyticus to allow for a more economical way for states to become trained in the necessary techniques.

ISSC's current interim criteria for opening and closing shellfish harvest waters involves shellfish strain identification and utilization of background data on levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Most states have very limited knowledge of background levels of V. parahaemolyticus in shellfish and do not have the capability to differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic strains of the organism. To apply the current plan and perhaps future control plans, there exists a need to develop the requisite scientific capability for analyses to produce background V. parahaemolyticus data and to differentiate pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains of the organism. The need for data is particularly true during the warmer periods of the year, and especially with regard to levels of pathogenic strains of the organism.

It has also been reported that the concentration of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters is approximately 200-fold that of the surrounding water. During the recent U.S. outbreaks, guidance on closing shellfish waters to harvesting has been based on illness. Re-opening was based on: (1) a change in seasonal conditions, particularly environmental temperatures, to those which historically have not been associated with illnesses, and (2) absence of the particular strain(s) of the organism associated with the outbreak. It is not at all certain that such measures will prove effective in controlling V. parahaemolyticus in future situations. Better criteria for assessing the safety of shellfish throughout the year and prior to outbreaks of illness are needed.

The vast majority of shellfish producing states need the ability to monitor shellfish for V. parahaemolyticus. Presently this capability is lacking. A newly developed analytical method is more effective than previous methods in enumerating V. parahaemolyticus and tdh+ V. parahaemolyticus in shellfish species. Trained analysts and specialty reagents are prerequisites for using this method. In addition, most producing states need to conduct field studies to develop requisite background data.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

Adequately trained state laboratory personnel available to meet the demands for the collection of necessary data used in the current requirements of the NSSP Manual.

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

The strength of this proposal lies in ISSC's purpose, structure and experience. This organizational partnership will further utilize the Education and Communications committees to provide project oversight. The ISSC committees contain a diversity of pertinent expertise and experience. Individual participants have included:

• Regulatory — FDA's office of Seafood, scientific and technical support staff.
  NOAA National Marine Fisheries and National Ocean Services, scientific and technical support staff.
  Respective state agencies in 23 shellfish producing states and 10 non-producing states.
• Commercial
  • Selected individuals and firms, plus related trade associations, i.e., National Fisheries Institute, Pacific Coast Oyster Growers Association, Gulf Oyster Industry Council, etc.
• Technical
  • Scientific experts from state, community and private academic institutions.

   

  Federal	Lead: Others:
  Non Federal:	State government: Local government: Private industry: Public interest groups: Educational Facility:

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

Cash

Federal

Non Federal

State government
Local government
Private industry
Public interest groups

Total


In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)

Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

Project Time Frame: Two months, anticipated as February - March, 2000. A final report will be submitted in April 2000.

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage: (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments