Using molecular systematics to enhance diagnostics and predict biosecurity risk

Biosecurity outcome

• Biosecurity risk is better estimated because MPI has access to a greater range of high quality reliable reference DNA sequences derived from authentically identified specimens

Science outcome

• A customised work-flow platform to produce sequences for authentically identified specimens & upload to publically accessible DNA databases (Genbank) will enhance biosecurity relevant diagnostic tool development as well as production of phylogenies that may for example, contribute to taxonomic clarification and tests of indigenous vs exotic membership

Key end users/stakeholders

Implementation:    MPI (PHEL) will help validate the DNA database by querying it on an ongoing basis with biosecurity samples and provide evidence of how the project contributes to diagnostic decisions, including around biological risk. Continued implementation will involve a feedback loop to research to fill taxonomic gaps relevant to biosecurity.