Factors affecting mortality of shrimp, Penaeus monodon, experimentally infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (VPAHPND)

Abstract

One of the most recent diseases affecting the shrimp industry is the early mortality syndrome (EMS). EMS, characterized by observed mortality in shrimp within the first 35 days of culture, is due to several diseases, one of which is the acute hepatopancreatic disease (AHPND). Outbreaks due to AHPND have caused economic losses to many shrimp producing countries globally. This paper investigates factors affecting mortality of shrimp, Penaeus monodon experimentally infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing AHPND (VP_AHPND). Tank experiments done suggested that exposure to 10⁷ cfu/ml VP_AHPND, 35°C, and 10 and 28 ppt increase the risk of shrimp mortality due to AHPND. The VP_AHPND concentration in the water that P. monodon can overcome is <105 cfu/ml. Observed mortality due to VP_AHPND is age related, with higher mortalities in younger infected shrimp.