January 17, 2011

Viral disease spreads in global shrimp-producing regions

Shrimp-harvesting regions are getting inflicted with Infectious Myonecrosis (IMN) as it spreads and farmers have been warned to be vigilant and look out for symptoms as it can lead to heavy losses.

IMN is a viral disease caused by infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV). It affects Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, tiger shrimp, P. monodon and blue shrimp, P. stylirostris, according to Network of Aquaculture Centres of Asia-Pacific (NACA). IMN is associated with heavy losses in farmed shrimp of 40 to 70%.

Originally reported from Brazil, outbreaks were reported in East Java, Situbondo District in Indonesia in May 2006. In 2009, several other provinces were affected.

With the current spread of the disease, there is a high threat of the disease spreading to neighbouring P. vannamei-producing countries. Suspected outbreaks should immediately be reported to the authorities.