To implement the project of ‘Construction of the Muscovy duck production model and immunization program’, we visited France during October 2 – 15, 2013. We focused on production of Muscovy ducks, management of breeding ducks, disease control and biosecurity in order to speed up the establishment of breeding duck farms in Taiwan. The visited places comprised of Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory of French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, ZOOPOLE, Group Grimaud (a breeding company), Avian Research Unit of Tours Center of INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research), Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health of Tours center of INRA, Research Center of Toulouse Center of INRA, National Institute of Agronomic Research in Artiguères of INRA, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Maïsadour Semences (a feed company) and mule duck farms. This visit deepened our understanding of waterfowl diseases, especially duck virus enteritis (DVE) and hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese (HNEG) which fortunately didn’t occur in Taiwan. During the visiting process, we and the French researchers presented to each other and both sides benefited greatly. Therefore, both sides have a high degree of agreement to keep in touch and even to have cooperation in research projects to promote the development of bilateral duck industry.

Held every 3 years. Options for the Control of Influenza is the largest international scientific conference exclusively devoted to influenza, The options VIII was held in Cape Town, South of Aferica. It showcased recent advances in the basic science and control and prevention of influenza. Nhaever people’s domain of expertise – virology, veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health policy – Options for the Control of Influenza VIII was the premier conference bringing together experts dedicated to all aspects of influenza. Presentation formats included keynote addresses, invited lectures, scientific workshops, abstract presentations, satellite meetings and poster sessions.

The main items achieved in this year include establishment of expert platform, set-up of core knowledge database, editing and publishing of core knowledge, extension education of production medicine, provision of production standard for the international certificate.  The results are as follows.  1. Five extension trainings were held, which focused on reproduction, culture and disease control for crystal shrimp, crayfish, crabs, Chinese mud crab, giant river shrimp. 2. Three digital learning materials were constructed in web, including reproduction, culture and disease control for ornamental shrimp, Chinese mud crab, giant river shrimp and swamp eel. 3. Four publications were accomplished, which included the management and disease control for ornamental shrimp, Chinese mud crab, giant river shrimp and swamp eel.

In 2013 we received a total of 965 samples for EM examination Among these samples, 155 samples were from poultry, 47 samples from herbivore, 343 samples from aquatic animals, 2 samples from swine, 405 samples from other species. A total of 149 specimens were diagnosed by observation of specific pathogen particles. The results of EM examination and corroboration with other research studies were published in two scientific papers: Journal of Virological Methods 196: 199-203, 2014, and PLOS ONE 8:e74271, 2013.