Cause of EMS shrimp disease identified

The pathogen which causes early mortality syndrome (EMS), an emerging shrimp disease in Southeast Asia more technically known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPNS), has been identified.

A research team led by Donald Lighter at the University of Arizona, found that EMS is caused by a bacterial agent, which is transmitted orally, colonises the shrimp gastrointestinal tract and produces a toxin that causes tissue destruction and dysfunction of the shrimp digestive organ known as the hepatopancreas. It does not affect humans.

Research continues on the development of diagnostic tests for rapid detection of the EMS/AHPNS pathogen that will enable improved management of hatcheries and ponds, and help lead to a long-term solution for the disease. It will also enable a better evaluation of risks associated with importation of frozen shrimp or other products from countries affected by EMS.

Since EMS was first reported in China in 2009, it has spread to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, and now causes annual losses more than US$1 billion. EMS outbreaks typically occur within the first 30 days after stocking a newly prepared shrimp pond, and mortality can exceed 70 percent.

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A steamed tail-on shrimp. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)