July 13, 2009
US state shrimp stocks steep decline due to virus outbreak
The taura syndrome virus (TSV) has spread among the shrimp stocks of Zulia state, Venezuela, prompting a steep decline in production of between 12,000-15,000 tonnes, confirmed the president of the Zuliana Region Development Corporation (Corpozulia), Carlos Martinez Mendoza.
Mendoza explained that the loss which represents nearly 50 percent of national production, affects several producer firms and at least four processing plants, now paralysed.
A large portion of the shrimp produced domestically is sold overseas, with this sector heading agricultural exports.
Mendoza also said that in terms of the paralysed plants, the government is evaluating several options to reactivate them, including operating them under the concept of mixed property or direct social property, incorporating local communities.
Last March, the Socialist Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INSOPESCA) president Gilberto Gimenez announced Venezuela would not import shrimp as the country is essentially a producer nation of the fish with an adequate level of production.
