Chlorine disinfection against hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) infection in shrimp (Penaeus monodon) larvae

Abstract

Experiments were undertaken to determine the efficacy of chlorine as a disinfectant in inhibiting HPV infection among P. monodon postlarvae (PLs). Based on histopathological examination, 50 ppm and 200 ppm active chlorine at two different exposure durations (12 and 24 hr), failed to inhibit the transmission of HPV in the experimental PLs. Higher chlorine concentrations, 500 ppm and 1,000 ppm for 24 hr exposure, decreased percentage of HPV infection, but failed to completely inhibit the transmission of the virus in PLs. It is recommended that other disinfecting agents be tested as HPV appears to be resistant to chlorine. Also, the experimental design should be modified in order to actually simulate existence of HPV as an infectious agent in hatchery conditions.