For most viral and parasitic shrimp diseases there is no effective treatment once the crop is infected. The fight is won before stocking — with certified seed, biosecurity and stable water quality. Never use banned antibiotics or unapproved chemicals.
WSSV — white spot syndrome virus
The most feared disease in Indian shrimp farming. It causes sudden, mass mortality and there is no cure.
| Symptom | What to do | What NOT to do |
|---|---|---|
| White spots on shell and carapace | Stop feeding immediately; isolate; get a lab test | Do not add chemicals or antibiotics |
| Sudden mass mortality | Harvest what remains quickly if safe; report to authorities | Do not move water or equipment between ponds |
| Reddish body, lethargic shrimp | Check water quality; reduce stress | Do not dump untreated pond water |
Prevention: SPF/SPT certified seed, strict biosecurity, no carrier crabs/birds, stable water quality, and a clean dry pond between crops.
EHP — Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei
A microsporidian parasite that stunts growth. Shrimp don't die, but they stop growing — a huge economic loss because you feed a pond that never reaches market size.
| Symptom | What to do | What NOT to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slow / uneven growth, stunted shrimp | Test seed and pond; confirm EHP by PCR | Do not restock the same pond without full treatment |
| No mortality but poor FCR | Review pond preparation and seed source | Do not reuse infected water or sludge |
Prevention: EHP enters through seed and contaminated ponds. Buy tested seed, dry and lime ponds thoroughly, and remove sludge.
Vibrio and bacterial infections
Bacteria like Vibrio cause shell disease, red discolouration and mortality, usually when water quality is poor and shrimp are stressed.
| Symptom | What to do | What NOT to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shell lesions, dark or red spots | Improve water quality, reduce feed, increase aeration | Do not use antibiotics — banned and ineffective |
| Mortality in poor water | Fix DO, ammonia and pH first | Do not add unapproved chemicals |
Prevention — the real treatment
Everything that prevents disease is cheaper than any response to an outbreak.
- Buy only tested, certified seed from CAA-authorized hatcheries
- Maintain strict biosecurity — fencing, netting, disinfection, dedicated implements
- Keep water quality stable; test daily and record
- Dry and lime ponds fully between crops
- Feed on trays; never overfeed
- Monitor shrimp health daily — appetite, colour, swimming, shell
What NOT to do
Do not use banned antibiotics or pharmacologically active substances — they are prohibited, can bring penalties and export bans, and do not cure viral disease. Do not push density beyond the rules. Do not dump untreated effluent. Do not self-prescribe treatments; consult a qualified aqua consultant and follow official BMPs.
Prevention starts with water
Stable water quality is your best disease defence. Review the parameters and daily routine.
Water quality guide Calculators