July 30, 2013

The Dominican Republic has imposed a total ban on shrimp imports from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and Mexico due to outbreaks of the early mortality syndrome (EMS) or acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPNS) in those countries.

Meanwhile, the country's agriculture minister, Luis Ramon Rodríguez, clarifies that the suspension will not apply to imports from the US and other countries.

The minister has expressed his concerns over a possible entry of the disease into the Domincan Republic and its adverse effects on local shrimp production, due to the high mortality caused.

According to Rodriguez, the country's response against EMS is based on recommendations from the World Organisation for Animal Health's Epidemiological Surveillance Programme.