Main diseases in shrimp and fish (prevention, identification and treatment).

Aquaculture Health: Mastering the Prevention, Identification, and Treatment of Major Shrimp and Fish Diseases

Health is a fundamental pillar for the success of any aquaculture venture. In the dynamic shrimp farming and fish farming sectors, the occurrence of shrimp and fish diseases can lead to significant production losses, directly impacting your farm’s profitability. Mastering aquaculture disease prevention, identifying signs early, and knowing the treatment for fish and shrimp diseases are essential skills for any producer seeking sustainability and growth.

Prevention as the Best Medicine in Aquaculture

The maxim “prevention is better than cure” takes on even greater importance in aquaculture. Implementing strict biosecurity measures is the first line of defense against the entry and spread of pathogens. This includes controlling access to ponds, disinfecting equipment and facilities, quarantining new animals, and choosing quality shrimp post-larvae and fry from reliable, certified suppliers, as we discussed in previous posts. Furthermore, proper water quality management and adequate nutrition for the animals, maintaining ideal pH and dissolved oxygen levels while avoiding spikes in ammonia and nitrite, strengthen the immune systems of your stock, making them more resistant to diseases.

Identifying the Warning Signs: Constant Vigilance

Early disease identification in fish and shrimp is crucial to minimizing negative impacts. Producers should be alert to changes in animal behavior, such as reduced appetite, lethargy, erratic swimming, or isolation from the group. Physical signs like spots, lesions, changes in coloration, deformities, and mortality above the normal rate also serve as important warnings. Daily observation and maintaining a detailed animal health history, with the help of management tools like Despesca, allow you to detect any abnormality and act quickly.

Major Shrimp Diseases: Know Them to Fight Them

In the shrimp farming sector, certain diseases deserve special attention. White spot disease, caused by a virus, is one of the most devastating, leading to high mortality rates. Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), also known as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), also represents a significant threat. Other bacterial and fungal diseases can affect shrimp, such as vibriosis and mycosis. Knowing the specific symptoms of each of these diseases is critical for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and Management in Case of Disease Occurrence

Upon identifying a disease, it is essential to act quickly and decisively. The shrimp disease treatment can vary depending on the causative agent and the stage of infection. In some cases, measures such as partial or total water exchange, increased aeration, and the application of specific products (always with technical guidance) can be effective. In more severe situations, it may be necessary to isolate the affected pond and even perform sanitary culling of the animals to prevent the spread of the disease. Consulting a veterinarian or a specialized aquaculture technician is indispensable for a correct diagnosis and the definition of the most appropriate treatment protocol.

The Importance of History and Continuous Monitoring

Maintaining a detailed history of your ponds’ health, recording any disease occurrences, treatments applied, and the results obtained, is a valuable practice. This history, combined with continuous monitoring of water parameters and animal behavior, allows you to identify risk factors, adjust management practices, and strengthen prevention strategies, contributing to the sustainability and profitability of your shrimp production.