The Australian Animal Pathogen Genomics Initiative (AAPGI) aims to develop a national reference library of high-quality genomic data on priority animal pathogens and enhance understanding of animal viromes in Australia using non-targeted high-throughput sequencing.
Understanding the core animal virome will enable us to track the emergence of potential pathogens. In addition, there are many viruses infecting animal health (inc. wildlife) that are likely potential pathogens, with over 30% of syndromic cases of neurological and reproductive lacking a pathogen disease aetiology.
The initiative will accelerate the identification, and characterisation of Australia’s native fauna virome and microbiome (inc. livestock, wildlife, invasive species) for enhanced disease control efforts
Through the Bioplatforms portal, there is an option to “hold” public data for up to 12 months, to ensure any targeting testing for viruses, parasites and bacteria of “notifiable disease” is completed, if required.
Although, we hope this platform will enable rapid data sharing of genomic sequences.
The initiative is currently funded and operational ($1M cash and substantial in-kind), with an Advisory Committee in place to establish key priorities and objectives.
The initiative will issue an open request for partnership in February 2025, inviting community members to submit proposals for developing key genomics resources for their pathogen/s of interest. Proposals will include the rationale for the resource, its potential benefits, anticipated research or industry impact, project partners (with cross-jurisdictional programs encouraged, where appropriate).