Shrimp Farmers Combat Diseases to Sustain Aquaculture Growth

The sudden outbreak of disease in carefully cultivated shrimp populations, just as harvest approaches, can devastate aquaculture operations and undermine farmer confidence. As land-based shrimp farming technologies become increasingly prevalent and production scales expand globally, disease risks have correspondingly intensified. Effective prevention and control of shrimp diseases has become a critical challenge for every aquaculture operator.

This article examines several prevalent and highly destructive shrimp diseases, analyzing their pathogens, symptoms, and prevention strategies to provide comprehensive and practical guidance for disease management in shrimp farming operations.

Infectious myonecrosis (IMN), caused by the Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) from the Totiviridae family, is characterized by rapid onset and high mortality rates, often resulting in significant economic losses.

• Pathogen: Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), Totiviridae family
• Symptoms:
  • High mortality following environmental stress (sudden temperature/salinity changes) or handling procedures
  • Deceptively robust appetite prior to outbreak, with digestive tracts full of food
  • Distinct muscle necrosis appearing as white opaque spots or patches, particularly in abdominal segments and tail fans
  • Prolonged mortality periods lasting several days post-stress event
• Primary Host: Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), with experimental infections possible in black tiger shrimp

Baculovirus penaei infection, while typically causing lower mortality than IMN, significantly impairs growth rates and overall shrimp health.

• Pathogen: Baculovirus penaei (Baculoviridae family)
• Symptoms:
  • Reduced feeding leading to stunted growth
  • Midgut turbidity in advanced cases
• Primary Host: Penaeus monodon and related shrimp species

Covert mortality nodavirus causes subtle symptoms that often go undetected until mass mortality events occur.

• Pathogen: Covert mortality nodavirus (Nodaviridae family)
• Symptoms:
  • Hepatopancreas discoloration/atrophy
  • Striated muscle whitening and necrosis
  • Affected shrimp hiding at pond bottoms rather than surfacing
• Primary Host: Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) and Chinese white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis)

This disease primarily affects shrimp respiratory systems, impairing oxygen absorption through gill damage.

• Pathogen: Gill-associated virus (Roniviridae family)
• Symptoms:
  • Reddened body and appendages
  • Gill color progression from pink to yellow
  • Surface swimming behavior and appetite loss
• Primary Host: Giant river prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and Kuruma shrimp

Similar to Baculovirus penaei infection, this variant causes comparable growth impairment symptoms.

• Pathogen: Penaeus monodon-type baculovirus (Baculoviridae family)
• Symptoms:
  • Reduced feeding and growth rates
  • Midgut turbidity in severe cases
• Primary Host: Black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus)

Effective shrimp disease control requires comprehensive, integrated approaches:

• Quality Seedstock: Source pathogen-free postlarvae from certified hatcheries
• Environmental Management: Maintain optimal water quality parameters and minimize stress factors
• Nutritional Optimization: Provide balanced feeds to enhance immune function
• Biosecurity: Implement regular disinfection protocols for ponds and equipment
• Biological Controls: Utilize probiotic supplements to suppress pathogenic bacteria
• Therapeutic Interventions: Apply veterinary-approved treatments when necessary

Beyond disease prevention, farmers should establish robust risk management systems:

• Insurance Coverage: Protect against catastrophic disease losses
• Emergency Protocols: Develop rapid response plans for disease outbreaks
• Information Networks: Maintain industry connections for timely disease updates

Shrimp aquaculture presents both significant challenges and opportunities. Continuous education in advanced farming techniques and disease management remains essential for sustainable, profitable operations. This overview provides fundamental knowledge to support healthy shrimp production and economic resilience in global aquaculture markets.