Increasing diagnostic capacity in Thailand
In late March, the CRC's project team for ‘Increasing diagnostic capacity in Thailand' spent a week in Bangkok to continue the training of a group of Thai scientists in molecular diagnostics, skills that will assist them in the development of a Thai Diagnostic Network.
The collaborative project is led by Dr Gary Kong from Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, and is co-funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Dr Kong travelled to Thailand with fellow Australian team members Dr Andrew Geering (QPI&F), Dr Deb Hailstones (NSWDPI) and Dr Linda Zheng (DPI Victoria, in place of Dr Brendan Rodoni).
This trip is part of a series of visits (both to and from Australia) to build Thailand's capacity in molecular diagnostics. In 2008, four Thai scientists travelled to Australia to spend three months with the project teams learning diagnostic techniques for a range of pests (which have particular biosecurity importance for both Australia and Thailand) such as citrus canker, potato viruses and fruit flies.
During the recent visit to Thailand, the Australian team assessed the Thai scientists' progress in implementing molecular diagnostic tests and their ability to identify essential criteria in developing robust diagnostic standards. The project team were encouraged to see the processes and principles that had been taught the year before, were being followed. The project team also assisted the Thai scientists in setting up their diagnostic laboratories and selecting specialised equipment to be purchased, to enable them to detect and characterise specific plant pests and pathogens.
The next phase of the project will see the Thai scientists return to laboratories at NSWDPI and DPIVic in October 2009 to continue their training. In addition two Thai trainees are studying taxonomy in Queensland.
This project recognises the importance of international collaboration to ensure effective biosecurity practices across the continuum.
Dr Gary Kong with Mr Alongkot Phodee and Ms Preyapan Pongsapich.
