A multidisciplinary research program of unprecedented scope and complexity for fish biocontrol worldwide underpins the National Carp Control Plan, which aims to reduce carp impacts in Australia. In view of its high species-specificity and virulence, Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) is being investigated in particular as a key component of an integrated control plan.

Research now underway will deliver contemporary carp biomass estimates, examine the existing virome of carp in Australia, explore vectors for transmission, determine virus stability in carcasses and under varying salinity, complete testing of non-target species susceptibility, investigate possible water quality impacts and options for management, and epidemiological modelling. Integrated control will be critical to maximise likelihood of long-term benefits, informed by iterative modelling to enable consideration of optimal timing and sequencing of control methods, and ongoing monitoring.

In this presentation Research Project Manager Jen Marshall will provide a summary of the breadth and complexity of research now underway to inform decision making on carp control in Australia.