Aquaculture

Farmed Shrimp Disease and Welfare

Disease is the most significant welfare and economic challenge in shrimp aquaculture. High stocking densities and poor water quality drive disease outbreaks affecting billions of animals.

Key Facts

White spot syndrome and early mortality syndrome have caused multi-billion dollar losses in shrimp farming
Shrimp show behavioral responses to noxious stimuli consistent with pain experience
High stocking densities in intensive shrimp ponds increase disease transmission and welfare compromise
Certified shrimp farms with better biosecurity have lower disease incidence and better welfare indicators

Welfare Considerations

Disease in farmed shrimp causes welfare costs that likely include suffering, though uncertainty about shrimp sentience remains. Beyond welfare, disease outbreaks drive enormous environmental damage through antibiotic use and pond abandonment. Better management practices including lower densities, improved biosecurity, and vaccination reduce disease while simultaneously improving both welfare outcomes and farm sustainability.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp certified by welfare-inclusive standards where available
Ask retailers about the management practices of their shrimp suppliers
Reduce shrimp consumption where welfare-certified alternatives are unavailable
Support research into shrimp pain and welfare to inform better management standards