Farmed Shrimp Disease and Welfare Management

Disease is the primary production and welfare challenge in shrimp farming, with mass mortality events causing suffering and economic losses.

Key Facts

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) have caused billions of dollars in losses and massive shrimp mortality
Intensification and poor biosecurity create conditions where disease spreads rapidly through entire ponds within days
Prophylactic antibiotic use in shrimp farming is a major antimicrobial resistance concern in Asia
Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) broodstock and improved biosecurity reduce disease incidence without antibiotic dependency
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for shrimp provide better disease control through environmental management

Welfare Considerations

Mass disease events in shrimp farms cause death at extraordinary scale — individual ponds may lose millions of animals in days. The welfare significance depends on shrimp sentience evidence, which is scientifically credible if uncertain. The precautionary welfare case argues for reducing conditions that facilitate mass mortality events: overcrowding, poor water quality, and inadequate biosecurity. Improved disease management serves both welfare and production goals simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Choose certified shrimp from producers with documented disease management and biosecurity programs
Support research into shrimp disease prevention approaches that reduce reliance on antibiotic prophylaxis
Advocate for antimicrobial resistance monitoring requirements in shrimp aquaculture certification schemes
Reduce shrimp consumption from intensive operations with documented high disease mortality events