Farmed shrimp face enormous disease challenges causing mass mortality events that represent significant welfare harm alongside major economic losses for producers.
Mass shrimp mortality from disease represents welfare harm on a staggering scale, though the question of shrimp sentience remains scientifically uncertain. Decapod crustaceans including shrimp possess nociceptors and behavioral responses consistent with pain experience. Disease-associated mortality likely involves physiological distress before death. The welfare case for disease prevention through better biosecurity, reduced stocking density, and improved nutrition is aligned with both producer economic interests and precautionary welfare principles. Antibiotic reduction strategies that address root causes of disease rather than treating symptoms serve both welfare and public health goals.