Grant: Idea to Innovation

The objective of the market study is to determine the potential demand for utilization of an innovative diagnostic product which rapidly detects up to five economically important viruses of salmonids. The product is a multiplex molecular diagnostic assay which simultaneously detects multiple viruses in one sample by targeting the nucleic acid sequences of conserved region of specified viruses. The assay allows the detection of up to 5 viruses in a single analysis in less than 5 hours. Existing molecular assays such as PCR or real time PCR targets individual viruses and hence would require up to 5 different analyses. Laboratory and field validation will be performed using the protocols and criteria outlined by World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The multiplex assay is expected to have similar or higher sensitivity and specificity, faster turnaround time and will be less costly on a per-test basis than the existing PCR-based assay. The service will aid diagnosis during viral disease outbreaks and can be incorporated into surveillance programs. The market study will examine the current and future demands generated by farming and regulatory applications of this innovative product regionally, nationally and globally.