Protect Your Shrimp Farm from AHPND (Early Mortality Syndrome)

by Dhanush Gorre

In India, shrimp farming plays a major role in supporting food security and rural livelihoods. However, disease outbreaks like Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), also known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), have become a serious concern, threatening the industry’s sustainability.

What is AHPND?

AHPND is a bacterial disease caused by harmful strains of the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which produce toxins that damage the shrimp’s hepatopancreas. This organ is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption. When the bacteria attack, shrimp experience severe health decline, leading to high mortality rates—especially during the early stages of farming. First detected in Southeast Asia in 2009, AHPND has since spread to India and other shrimp farming regions.

Economic Impact

AHPND poses a major threat to shrimp farmers, especially those cultivating Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon, the key shrimp species in India. Farmers may lose up to 70-100% of their stock within the first 30 to 35 days of stocking, resulting in massive financial losses. This is particularly devastating for small-scale farmers who rely on these harvests for their income. The disease has caused significant disruptions in both local markets and shrimp exports, resulting in billions of rupees in losses.

How to Spot AHPND
It’s crucial to detect AHPND early to manage the disease. Look for these signs in your shrimp:

  • Sudden Deaths within the first 20 to 30 days of stocking.
  • Reduced Feeding: Shrimp lose their appetite before mortality occurs.
  • Pale to White Hepatopancreas: Shrimp may show a swollen, discolored hepatopancreas.
  • Soft Exoskeleton and Empty Gut: Shrimp affected by AHPND often have an empty digestive tract and soft shells.
  • Lethargy: Infected shrimp become weak and gather near the pond’s edge.

How Does AHPND Spread?

AHPND spreads quickly through water, feed, and contact with infected shrimp. Contaminated water and poor farm management are major contributors to disease transmission. Shrimp ponds with poor water quality, high organic matter, and overcrowding are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Currently, there is no direct cure for AHPND, so prevention and management are key. Follow these steps to protect your farm:

  1. Maintain Good Water Quality

Poor water quality puts stress on shrimp and promotes bacterial growth. Keep your water in optimal condition by regularly monitoring pH, salinity, and oxygen levels. Use biofloc technology or probiotics to improve water quality and prevent bacterial buildup.

  1. Practice Pond Hygiene

Clean your ponds thoroughly before stocking. Remove organic waste and disinfect the pond to reduce the bacterial load, ensuring a safer environment for your shrimp.

  1. Avoid Overcrowding

Stick to recommended stocking densities to reduce stress on shrimp and minimize the risk of disease transmission. Overstocking creates an unhealthy environment where diseases can spread rapidly.

  1. Use Probiotics and Immune Boosters

Probiotics like Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Pseudomonas help control harmful bacteria like Vibrio by competing for nutrients and space. These probiotics improve shrimp digestion, boost their immune system, and reduce disease risks. They also stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides, which help shrimp fight off infections.

Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, and selenium are essential for enhancing shrimp immunity. Beta-glucans found in yeast activate immune cells, helping shrimp fight off pathogens more effectively.

  1. Feed Your Shrimp Properly

Feed your shrimp with high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Avoid overfeeding, as leftover feed can decompose, degrading water quality and encouraging harmful bacteria to thrive. Healthy nutrition helps shrimp grow stronger and more resistant to diseases like AHPND.

By following these preventive measures, you can protect your shrimp farm from AHPND and reduce economic losses. Simple steps like clean water, proper feeding, and the use of probiotics can make a huge difference in maintaining healthy shrimp populations.

Take Action Now to Secure a Healthy and Profitable Shrimp Harvest!

 

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