Approval of the oDNA assay for use in P. agathidicida surveillance and diagnostics
Tiakina Kauri approves the use of the oDNA end-point PCR assay, developed by Palmer et al. (2025), as a diagnostic test for the surveillance of Phytophthora agathidicida (PA). This approval follows endorsement by the oDNA Technical Advisory Committee that the oDNA test is sensitive and specific.
The oDNA assay, published in 2025, introduces a novel DNA extraction approach that combines soil filtration with highly sensitive PCR, enabling direct testing of filtered soil. This approach reduces reliance on baiting and can improve both the speed and sensitivity of detection, positioning it as a valuable addition to our diagnostic toolkit.
Tiakina Kauri approves the use of assays for surveillance to ensure only high-quality evidence is used in decision making and sought expert independent advice on evidence to provide high confidence that the assay was sensitive and specific.