Disease outbreaks are the leading cause of shrimp mortality in aquaculture, with management practices profoundly affecting both productivity and the welfare of billions of animals.
Shrimp welfare during disease events is an underexplored but important concern. Mass mortality events may involve significant suffering if shrimp have capacity for pain perception. More certain welfare impacts arise from overcrowding that stresses immune function, poor water quality that reduces oxygen availability, and handling stress during treatments. Welfare-conscious disease management prioritizes prevention through good husbandry rather than reactive chemical treatments.