Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Biosecurity Disease Prevention

Biosecurity in prawn farming prevents catastrophic disease outbreaks that cause mass mortality and significant welfare costs.

Key Facts

White spot syndrome virus has caused billions of dollars in losses and massive mortality globally
Early mortality syndrome from Vibrio bacteria kills prawns in the juvenile phase
Biosecurity protocols include water disinfection, hatchery stock sourcing, and site isolation
Specific pathogen-free (SPF) post-larvae reduce disease introduction risk significantly
Probiotics and biofloc management reduce disease incidence without antibiotic dependence

Welfare Considerations

Disease outbreaks in prawn farms cause mass mortality and significant suffering. White spot syndrome causes rapid collapse with individual animals likely experiencing acute distress. Prevention through SPF stock, biosecurity, and water quality management is the most welfare-effective approach to prawn production.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp from farms with SPF stock and biosecurity certification
Support organisations developing disease-resistant, welfare-conscious aquaculture
Advocate for biosecurity standards as core requirements in prawn certification