Early studies have shown that IMNVcan be transmitted vertically and horizontally. Based on this information, the virus can be potentially transmitted from broodstocks to nauplii, from live feed, other animals, cannibalism,  sharing tools, etc. When a virus is that easily carried into the culture environment, all potential carriers are suggested to be screened and those infected with the disease can be discharged. To prevent vertical infection, all the stock animals must be screened. The ponds must be only stocked with virus-free PLs. And to block the horizontal infection, good management practices will eventually control the disease.

Since there is no effective treatment for IMNV, we can only protect our farms and crops by preventing the disease. We also need to start building up knowledge about it such as the source of this pathogen by screening the waterborne crustaceous animals and plankton, and the relationship between the viral load and the symptom to determine the timing of harvesting. This knowledge will help to have successful IMNV-free seasons in the future.

The key to a successful prevention is to take action as fast as possible. When the epidemic reaches out of control, there is nothing that can be humanly done.

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NHPB and IMNVare both important shrimp diseases that have hit the industry severely in the Americas.  Owing to the disease potential worldwide, the world’s animal health organization, OIE, has officially listed them disease notifiable earlier this year.

(http://www.oie.int/eng/maladies/en_classification.htm)

The transmission pathways of both diseases are still under research, but it is proved that improved health management in hatchery, and use of healthy brooders as well as close PCR monitoring of the animals are the keys to successful farming.  For your quick reference, please see the description and photos below.

※ Signs of IMNV: loss of transparency in the tail, deformity in the intestine, appearance of cooked shrimp.  (~40-60% mortality rate)

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