Shrimp diseases caused by viruses have become a frightening spectre haunting farmers and can strike at any time. These diseases can cause mass mortality and a decrease in production, triggering significant losses.
As one of the most demanded seafood commodities in the world, shrimp demand has been consistently rising. However, this industry often faces threats posed by diseases caused by viruses.
What are these diseases? Find out more in the following article!
Also Read: How to Properly and Completely Distribute Vannamei Shrimp Fry!
Threats of Shrimp Diseases Caused by Viruses
Shrimp diseases caused by viruses can pose a serious threat to the fishing industry. These viruses spread quickly among dense shrimp populations, as often seen in shrimp ponds or farms. Environmental factors such as water quality, population density, and poor sanitation conditions can trigger the rapid spread of these diseases.
Types of Shrimp Diseases Caused by Viruses
1. Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)
TSV is one of the most damaging viruses in the shrimp industry. This disease is characterized by symptoms such as decreased appetite, abnormal body color, and ultimately sudden death in infected shrimp. TSV has caused significant losses in the shrimp industry worldwide.
2. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
WSSV causes white spots on the shrimp’s body. This disease is highly contagious and can cause rapid death. WSSV is a major cause of shrimp crop failures in many shrimp ponds.
3. Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV)
IHHNV affects the respiratory system of shrimp, causing changes in body colour and reduced shrimp growth. Although it rarely causes death, this virus can lead to significant economic losses by hindering shrimp growth.
4. Yellow Head Virus (YHV)
YHV causes the shrimp’s head to change colour to yellow and eventually leads to death. This disease has a high severity level and can spread rapidly among shrimp populations.
5. Decapod Iridescent Virus 1 (DIV1)
DIV1 is a virus that affects various shrimp species. This disease causes changes in the shrimp’s body colour to iridescent or shiny and often leads to death in infected shrimp.
Impact of Shrimp Diseases Due to Viruses
Diseases caused by viruses in shrimp have adverse effects on aquaculture industries. Economic losses caused by mass shrimp deaths, decreased production, and crop failures have become serious problems for shrimp farmers.
Moreover, these diseases can also disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Mass deaths of virus-infected shrimp can increase pollution levels in water environments and threaten environmental sustainability.
Also Read: Effective Strategies for Controlling Ammonia in Vannamei Shrimp Ponds
Control and Prevention Efforts
Experts and shrimp farmers continue to make efforts to control and prevent the impact of viral diseases on shrimp. Some of the steps taken include:
1. Implementation of Good Aquaculture Practices
One of the primary approaches to controlling viral diseases in shrimp is by implementing good aquaculture practices. This involves managing water quality, maintaining pond cleanliness, and selecting healthy shrimp seedlings.
2. Vaccination and Treatment
Vaccine development is a crucial strategy in preventing viral diseases in shrimp. Additionally, the appropriate use of medicines is an option to address viral infections in shrimp. The treatment provided must comply with food safety standards and should not pose risks.
3. Isolation and Quarantine
Implementing isolation and quarantine practices are crucial steps in preventing the spread of viruses among shrimp populations. Infected shrimp must be immediately isolated and removed from the main population to prevent transmission to healthy shrimp.
4. Regular Supervision and Monitoring
Regular supervision and monitoring of shrimp health are crucial parts of disease control strategies. You can conduct routine PCR tests on specific DOCs. Periodic inspections are conducted to detect early symptoms of disease or viral infections. Early identification enables appropriate actions to prevent further spread.
5. Education and Training
Enhanced knowledge about viral diseases in shrimp and proper control practices should be disseminated to farmers and other shrimp farming stakeholders.
Also Read: Get to Know EHP Shrimp Disease and Its Prevention
Routine Health Checks for Your Shrimp with AquaCheck!
Regular health checks are a must as a preventive measure against diseases caused by viruses in vannamei shrimp. With routine PCR testing, you can prevent shrimp diseases from spreading widely and causing greater losses.
For those seeking shrimp PCR facilities, you can find them at AquaCheck! AquaCheck is DELOS’s PCR testing service to help you detect up to five pathogens simultaneously at an affordable price.
Furthermore, AquaCheck can detect universal samples, ranging from seedlings, shrimp, mud, and water, to other animals suspected of carrying pathogens in ponds.
Contact DELOS at contact@delosaqua.com or submit your inquiries through the contact column on our website at www.delosaqua.com. Check the health condition of your shrimp with AquaCheck!
