March 12, 2008

US company develops deadly shrimp disease vaccine
 

A chemically synthesized vaccine against shrimp disease Taura Syndrome has been successfully developed.

The vaccine is developed orally to shrimps and 91 percent survived the Taura Syndrome, according to Boston-based Replikins Ltd, developer of the vaccine.

The vaccine has a rapid production cycle of seven days, which when combined with early detection, will be crucial in reacting to emerging infectious disease.

The Taura Syndrome is one of the most devastating shrimp diseases in the world, with mortality rates up to 95 percent. Infected shrimp will display anorexia, lethargy and erratic swimming behaviour among others symptoms.

Replikins Ltd researches on various viruses including bird flu while developing synthetic vaccine products to control animal diseases.