SHRIMP DISEASES: DANGEROUS WARNING SIGNS TO KNOW
In aquaculture, early detection of shrimp diseases is a key factor that determines the success or failure of an entire crop.
If not monitored and treated in time, diseases can spread rapidly and cause severe economic losses.
This article will guide you on how to accurately and effectively check shrimp health.
1. Signs of Weak Shrimp Through External Observation
The fastest way to assess shrimp health is by observing external signs.
Healthy shrimp usually have a shiny shell, full body, and quick reactions.
Observe Shrimp Color
Red body shrimp: Often a sign of viral diseases such as Taura syndrome or white spot disease.
Yellow gills: May indicate polluted water, high acidity, or bacterial infection.
Opaque muscle: Usually occurs when shrimp are under stress or severely mineral-deficient.
Observe the Hepatopancreas
The hepatopancreas is the shrimp’s detoxification “factory.” When shrimp are diseased, it shows clear signs:
Shrunk, small hepatopancreas with dark or pale white color
Soft hepatopancreas that easily breaks when gently pressed
Loss of natural color (no longer yellow-brown)
Check the Gut Condition
Empty gut: Shrimp are not eating
Broken gut: A typical sign of white feces disease or infection with Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP)
Coiled gut: Intestinal contraction and irregular shape
2. Advanced and Accurate Shrimp Health Testing Methods
Sometimes, the naked eye cannot detect hidden pathogens. More advanced techniques are required.
Sensory Check (Feeding Tray Method)
Feeding trays are not only for monitoring feed intake but also for daily health checks.
Weak, soft-shelled, or dirty shrimp in trays indicate water quality issues
Healthy shrimp will jump strongly and quickly escape when lifted
Microscopic Examination
For large farms, examining fresh samples of gills, hepatopancreas, and intestines under a microscope helps detect:
Vibrio bacteria
Gill parasites
Fungi and other single-celled organisms
PCR Testing (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
This is the most advanced method for identifying viral pathogens such as:
White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
Yellow Head Virus (YHV)
Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND/EMS)
3. Main Causes of Shrimp Disease
Understanding the causes helps prevent disease more effectively than treating outbreaks.
Poor Water Quality
Dissolved oxygen below 3 mg/L
High levels of toxic gases (NH₃, H₂S, NO₂) at the pond bottom
Sudden changes in salinity and pH after heavy rain
Poor-Quality Seed Stock
Using shrimp seed of unknown origin, not quarantined, or infected from broodstock is a major cause of farming failure.
Improper Feeding Management
Overfeeding leads to pond pollution, creating conditions for harmful bacteria to grow and attack shrimp immunity.
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4. Effective Disease Prevention and Control Measures
“Prevention is better than cure” is always the golden rule in shrimp farming.
Improve Water Treatment Process
Use settling ponds to properly treat incoming water
Periodically disinfect using safe products such as iodine, BKC, or potassium permanganate at appropriate dosages
Use Probiotics
Adding probiotics to feed and water helps:
Inhibit harmful gut bacteria
Decompose organic waste at the pond bottom and clean the environment
Strengthen Shrimp Immunity
Supplement Vitamin C, minerals, and immune boosters (beta-glucan) daily
Maintain aeration and paddlewheel systems to ensure stable oxygen levels
Important Note
When high shrimp mortality is detected:
Immediately report to local veterinary authorities
Do not discharge untreated wastewater into the environment to prevent disease spread
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