Detection of imported exotic strains of West Nile virus for national biosecurity surveillance.

西尼罗河病毒（WNV）是由蚊子传播的，并导致动物和人类的致命性脑部疾病。西尼罗河病毒目前是异国情调的这个国家，但密切相关，但良性的表亲，这种病毒（昆津）可以发现在澳大利亚北方。 目前，使用标准的实验室检测很难区分西尼罗河病毒和昆津病毒的感染，因此，如果西尼罗河病毒被引入澳大利亚，公共卫生官员将很难检测到西尼罗河病毒。在这个项目中，我们的目标是开发更准确的实验室测试，以检测感染致命的，外来的西尼罗河病毒使用新的策略。

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a fatal disease of the brain in animals and humans. WNV is currently exotic to this country, however a closely related, but benign cousin of this virus (Kunjin) can be found in Northern Australia. Currently it is very difficult to differentiate between infections with WNV and Kunjin using standard laboratory tests, therefore it will be difficult for public health officials to detect WNV if it is introduced to Australia. In this project we aim to develop more accurate laboratory tests to detect infections with the deadly, exotic WNV using new strategies.