Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Disease Prevention

Approaches to preventing disease in farmed white-leg shrimp and other prawn species, with welfare implications.

Key Facts

White spot syndrome virus has devastated shrimp farming in Asia causing billions in losses
Disease outbreaks cause mass mortality and are associated with severe welfare suffering
Specific pathogen free (SPF) broodstock reduces disease introduction at the foundation
Probiotics and water quality management improve shrimp immune function
Biosecurity between ponds limits horizontal disease transmission

Welfare Considerations

Disease outbreaks in prawn farming cause mass suffering and death. While shrimp sentience is debated, the precautionary principle supports treating disease prevention as a welfare priority. Improving biosecurity also delivers economic benefits that incentivize uptake.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards that require disease prevention plans in prawn certification
Advocate for SPF broodstock requirements to reduce disease risk
Choose certified prawns from farms with documented biosecurity programs