January 24, 2014

Triggered by record cold temperatures, EMS epidemic has worsened in southern and eastern Thailand, resulting in widespread emergency harvests, according to a report from Shrimp International.

A quick survey of hatchery managers, feed suppliers and processors has been conducted that confirmed continued significant mortalities due to both EMS and WSSV in southern and eastern Thailand.  A major feed mill reports that it's only operating its mill two days a week and processors report that they are operating at less than 20% of capacity.

According to the report, there have been countless reports of "cures" or fixes for EMS, but nothing has been confirmed if even one of them works.  There still remains a paucity of good research on management strategies for EMS that's based on good scientific methods, not just pseudo-science and rumours.

Talk of a recovery of the Thai shrimp farming seems to be exaggerated.