June 16, 2005

Bangladeshi shrimp industry hit by virus

The ''White Spot'' virus has hit the shrimp industry in the province of Satkhira, Bangladesh following a rise in water temperature.

According to industry reports, water temperature in the shrimp enclosures is much higher than usual at this time of the year at 35-36 deg C.

The shrimp fry are attacked within 40 days after their release and those infected die within three days of attack.

Farmers who cultivate shrimp on smaller areas were reportedly the worst affected. Those affected also did not receive any advice or medicine from the government to protect the shrimps from the virus.

A shrimp quality specialist stated that appropriate training for shrimp farmers and taking adequate care when feeding the shrimp fry could have prevented the virus attack.