Nellore: Farmers cultivating shrimp in AP are facing an epidemic due to the virus EHP, a microsporidian (protozoan) parasite called Enterocytozoon, which could severely affect the shrimp industry.
Once infected by EHP, the growth of shrimp gets stunted. It becomes vulnerable to other diseases, developing a condition known as White Faeces Syndrome. The worst part is EHP cannot be treated with any medicine. It lives inside the shrimp’s cells and can survive in ponds for years unless removed properly.
According to scientists from the Aquaculture department, the parasite spreads easily. Shrimp can get infected by swallowing spores from pond water, bottom sludge, or faeces of other infected shrimp. It also spreads through contaminated broodstock in hatcheries. This means that once EHP enters a hatchery or nursery, the entire batch of shrimp can carry the infection even before reaching the farm. Younger shrimp, especially post-larvae, are more at risk due to their weak immune systems.
Consumption of feed is higher in infected ponds. Harvest is lower and shrimp quality is poor, all of which leads to financial losses. Many farmers do not even realise the problem, until it is too late.
Yet, all hope is not lost. The key to fighting EHP lies in prevention. Farmers must ensure that seeds they stock are EHP-free. They must test their broodstock and post-larvae with PCR methods.
Proper pond preparation is crucial—disinfecting the soil, treating water with lime and chlorine, and waiting before stocking shrimp. The process ensures that spores do not survive.
In nurseries, shrimp should be tested again after two weeks. Only healthy, fast-growing ones should be moved to the grow-out ponds. Pond bottoms must be cleaned regularly, removing dead shrimp, and keeping water quality stable. Supplementing feed with proteins, minerals and vitamins also supports the shrimp’s health, said Aquaculture joint director Lal Mohammad.
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