Disease Management in Shrimp Farming

Shrimp farming, while immensely rewarding, comes with its share of challenges, particularly in managing diseases that can significantly impact productivity and profitability. In this insightful guide, we delve into the major diseases affecting shrimp farming, exploring their causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies. From white muscle and muscle cramps to EHP and running mortality, understanding these diseases is crucial for ensuring the health and success of shrimp farming operations.

White Muscle and Muscle Cramps

White muscle and muscle cramps are often indicative of underlying mineral deficiencies, particularly in magnesium, zinc, and potassium. These deficiencies can manifest as white patches on shrimp, leading to reduced growth rates and increased susceptibility to other diseases. Temperature fluctuations, especially during summer crops and in shallow ponds, exacerbate these deficiencies, further compromising shrimp health. Effective management involves addressing mineral deficiencies, optimizing dissolved oxygen levels, and implementing proper pond management practices to promote healthy growth and development.

EHP

EHP, a typical parasite, thrives in conditions of intense sunlight, high temperature, and salinity. Effective management involves understanding the biology of the pathogen and implementing preventive measures such as nursery management and pond lining. Additionally, strategies like regular water exchange, gut acidification, and the use of probiotics and probiotics can help control EHP and minimize its impact on shrimp health.

WSSV

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) has long been identified as the primary causative agent of White Spot Disease (WSD) in shrimp farming. While WSSV is recognized as the primary factor causing WSD, its mere presence does not guarantee an outbreak in a pond. Instead, WSD outbreaks in farm settings are typically the result of a combination of risk factors alongside WSSV infection.

Running Mortality

Running mortality poses a significant threat to shrimp farming operations, with factors such as seed quality, high Vibrio load, shallow ponds, and high organic loads contributing to increased mortality rates. Poor water quality, characterized by elevated levels of ammonia, nitrate, and hydrogen sulfide, coupled with low dissolved oxygen levels, further exacerbates the problem. Effective management strategies include improving seed quality, reducing Vibrio load through proper pond management, and optimizing carrying capacity to prevent overcrowding and stress-induced mortality.

Black Gill

Black gill, caused by bacterial infections and poor bottom management practices, results in gill choking and swelling, leading to respiratory distress and increased mortality rates. Toxic gases and low dissolved oxygen levels exacerbate the condition, further compromising shrimp health. Effective management involves implementing strict biosecurity measures, optimizing water quality through proper bottom management, and addressing bacterial infections promptly to prevent the spread of disease.

White Gut/White Feces/Slow Growth

White gut syndrome, characterized by poor water quality and overfeeding, results in slow growth rates and increased mortality in shrimp. Overfeeding can disrupt the pond ecosystem and lead to nutrient imbalances, exacerbating the condition. Microsporidia, particularly EHP, combined with Vibrio infections, further contribute to gut health issues. Effective management strategies include improving water quality, implementing proper feeding practices, and incorporating probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health and enhance immune response.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of shrimp farming, disease management is paramount to ensuring the success and sustainability of operations. By understanding the causes and symptoms of major diseases such as white muscle, running mortality, black gill, white gut syndrome, and EHP, farmers can implement effective management strategies to mitigate risks and promote shrimp health and productivity. Through proactive measures, including proper pond management, water quality optimization, and the use of probiotics and preventive treatments, shrimp farmers can navigate the waters of disease management with confidence and success.

Armis ensure the prevention of EHP entry or re-entry into farms by implementing stringent biosecurity measures: Conduct thorough PL and broodstock inspections, enforce quarantine measures, and ensure disinfection of incoming water and pond bottoms between crop cycles.

Armis as a solution for functional feed. Given that EHP infects the gut, addressing it effectively can be achieved by integrating Armis into the feed regimen.