EHP Disease Management in Shrimp

EHP spreads through various means, including contaminated water sources, infected broodstock, and the introduction of infected shrimp into farms. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and water quality can influence the prevalence and severity of EHP outbreaks. Poor farm management practices, overcrowding, and inadequate biosecurity measures also contribute to the spread of the disease.

 EHP- (Combined with Vibrio)

  • Before approaching treatment, we should know the biology and favourable condition of the pathogen
  • A Typical parasite – Can’t survive without a host

More virulent during

  • More Intense sunlight
  • High temperature
  • High Salinity
  • Pores be killed at Low pH (<4) and High pH (>12)

Management practice

EHP Control Practice (Hatchery)

  • Screen all inputs (Brood Stock & Broodstock Feeds using PCR)

Sanitation and Disinfection Protocol

  • Sodium Hydroxide - 2.5% (rupture the spores)
  • Chlorination @ 40 ppm active (To kill the pathogen)
  • Potassium Permanganate (Highly oxidising agent)

Pathogen free feeds

  • Frozen live feed / Sterilized feeds / Pasteurization
  • Repeated PCR analysis of different PL stages & Fecal thread
EHP Control Practice (Nursery)
  • Prefer to have small and lined ponds (for better & easy management)
  • Effective Central drainage system
      • With 200 % storage capacity/reservoir ponds
      • Prefer to have a good underground water facility.
      • Washing with NaOH 2.5% and acidified chlorine 
    • Controlled Feeding protocol.
    • Water quality management and mineral balancing.
    • Shift after PCR to grow-out pond from 20 to 27 days of nursery rearing
    • PCR (Animal and fecal thread)
    • Functional feed (Lorica)
        EHP Control Practice (Grow-out)
        • Reduce culture period in the grow-out ponds
        • Nursery Concept (Lorica)
        • Stock clean Post larvae - free and resistant from pathogens?
        • Maintain a healthy microbiota balance {Probiotic (regular) based farming}
        • Feed Supplements  / Functional Feed (Xpand)
        • Use probiotics and additives that can keep away fungus in shrimp intestines and the Pond water column.
        • Siphon out waste from the pond bottom at frequent intervals (Central Drainage System)
        Remedies
        • EHP affects hepatopancreas – products that can protect hepatopancreas
        • During severe white gut time – frequent water exchange à drop/stop feeding (1-2 meals) à gut acids with feed à gut probiotics, proteases & lipases.
        • Phytobiotics can control the white gut & loose shell associated with Vibrio.
        • Regular use of prebiotic juices & probiotics
        • Strict bio-secure measures.