Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Disease and Welfare

Farmed prawns face multiple disease challenges in intensive production, with early mortality syndrome and white spot disease causing massive losses and significant welfare impacts.

Key Facts

Early Mortality Syndrome caused billions in losses in Asian prawn farming in 2010s
White Spot Disease is a viral infection causing near-100% mortality in affected ponds
High stocking densities favour disease transmission and immune compromise
Biosecurity measures including water treatment and stock health monitoring reduce disease risk
Consumer certification for farmed prawns is limited and welfare standards are minimal

Welfare Considerations

Farmed prawn welfare in disease management requires biosecurity measures, appropriate stocking densities, and water quality management that reduce disease incidence. The scale of prawn farming and emerging evidence of sentience make welfare improvement urgent. Consumer certification is underdeveloped.

What You Can Do

Support Shrimp Welfare Project research and advocacy for prawn welfare standards
Advocate for prawn welfare to be included in aquaculture certification requirements
Reduce farmed prawn consumption or choose certified sources where available