Shrimp diseases are one of the most common challenges faced by nearly all shrimp farmers. In addition to directly impacting the health of shrimp, these diseases often result in significant financial losses. One of the most talked-about diseases in vannamei shrimp farms is Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS).

This article will delve deeper into EMS, its causes, symptoms in infected shrimp, and preventive measures to combat this disease.

Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), also known as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), is a deadly shrimp disease that poses a significant threat to shrimp farmers. This disease was first detected in China in 2009 and later spread to Southeast Asia, starting with Vietnam in 2011 and Thailand in 2012. Since then, it has affected major shrimp-producing countries, including Indonesia.

In 2013, Loc Tran and his team made a breakthrough discovery regarding this disease. EMS/AHPND is caused by the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which thrives in aquatic environments. The primary impact of EMS is early-stage mortality, leading to significant productivity losses in vannamei shrimp farms. Typically, the disease affects shrimp 20-30 days after stocking, with mortality rates reaching up to 100%.

EMS/AHPND is caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that thrives in water bodies with high organic content. This bacterium is commonly found in coastal waters and estuaries but can proliferate under specific conditions such as:

Vibrio parahaemolyticus carries plasmids that produce pirA and pirB toxins, which damage the shrimp's hepatopancreas. These toxins destroy hepatopancreatic cells, disrupting digestion and metabolism, ultimately leading to rapid mortality. Clinical signs of EMS include pale and shrunken hepatopancreas, empty stomach and intestines, and a pale, yellowish body, as reported by Zorriehzahra and Banaederakhshan (2015).

Addressing EMS/AHPND requires calmness and a good understanding of the disease. Managing this shrimp disease involves proper planning and management. Biosecurity is a critical factor in preventing and controlling EMS/AHPND. Here are three key steps to prevent the disease:

High-quality post-larvae (PL) significantly increase the success rate of shrimp farming. Therefore, it is essential to select PL that has been tested and confirmed to be Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) and negative for EMS/AHPND.

Shrimp farming involves various dynamic factors, making routine monitoring essential. Parameters such as water quality, Total Vibrio Count (TVC), feed, and, most importantly, disease detection during sampling must be regularly checked.

Start detecting diseases and protect your shrimp farm from EMS/AHPND quickly and accurately. ShrimpProtect by CeKolam offers an advanced solution for detecting the pirA and pirB target genes in less than 35 minutes! Using Fenrir Master Mix and fluorescence probe technology, ShrimpProtect delivers reliable results across various sample types, helping you take swift action to maintain shrimp health and farm productivity. Protect your shrimp farm now with ShrimpProtect! Contact us here: 0882-1877-4777

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References

• Loc Tran, Linda Nunan, Rita M Redman, Leone L Mohney, Carlos R Pantoja, Kevin Fitzsimmons, Donald V Lightner (2013) Determination of the infectious nature of the agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome affecting penaeid shrimp. Dis Aquat Organ.
• Joshi J. Srisala J. Truong V. Chen IT. Nuangsaeng B. Suthienkul O. Lo C. F. Flegel, T., Sritunyalucksana K. Thitamadee S. (2014) Variation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus  isolates from  a single Thai shrimp farm experiencing an outbreak of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Aquaculture.
• Zorriehzahra J, Banaederakhshan R (2015). Early Mortality  Syndrome (EMS) as new Emerging Threat in Shrimp Industry. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences.
• https://thefishsite.com/articles/yang-perlu-anda-ketahui-tentang-ems-ahpnd-dalam-budidaya-udang
• https://tanilogic.com/2020/08/penyakit-ahpnd-ems-pada-udang-vaname/#google_vignette