Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Viral White Spot Management

White spot syndrome virus is the most economically and welfare-significant disease in global shrimp farming, requiring robust biosecurity prevention.

Key Facts

WSSV causes rapid mortality with characteristic white spots on the shell
WSSV has caused billions of dollars in losses and massive animal suffering globally
No effective treatment exists - prevention through biosecurity is the only option
SPF (specific pathogen-free) stock from certified hatcheries is the primary prevention strategy
Wild shrimp and birds can introduce WSSV to unprotected systems

Welfare Considerations

WSSV outbreaks cause mass suffering and mortality in prawns. The acute nature of the disease means individual prawns experience rapid deterioration. Prevention through biosecurity and SPF stock is the only welfare-effective strategy. Each outbreak prevented represents millions of individuals spared from suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp from certified SPF farms with demonstrated WSSV biosecurity
Support organisations developing WSSV-resistant prawn genetics
Advocate for WSSV biosecurity standards as a mandatory aquaculture welfare requirement