Vannamei shrimp farming is a highly promising sector in Indonesia.
However, various challenges, including shrimp diseases, can threaten its success. One of the most common diseases in vannamei shrimp farms is Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), which can cause significant losses if not addressed promptly.

AHPND is a chronic disease that attacks the hepatopancreas, a vital organ, causing high mortality within less than 30 days (EMS). Shrimp appear pale, with an empty digestive tract. Upon closer inspection, the hepatopancreas appears pale and smaller than its normal size.

Read More: Recognizing AHPND, the Persistent Enemy of Shrimp Farmers 
 

Causes of AHPND

AHPND usually arises from a combination of pathogenic and environmental factors. Poorly managed shrimp farm environments—such as low water quality, organic matter accumulation, and extreme temperature changes—can trigger the proliferation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the primary cause of this disease. Additionally, inadequate biosecurity practices in shrimp farming also contribute significantly to the spread of this disease.

Read More: Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS): A Serious Threat to Shrimp Farming 
 

Pond Sediment as a Pathogen Source

The bottom of vannamei shrimp ponds often becomes a hotspot for the accumulation of organic matter, leftover feed, and other waste. These accumulations can produce toxic gases, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which are harmful to shrimp. Moreover, these deposits create anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions that are ideal for the growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can release toxic compounds.

In some cases, sediment in shrimp pond bottoms, including inlets or ponds, has been reported as a source of AHPND infections, apart from shrimp. The distribution is as follows: 39% in sediment, 36% in shrimp nearing death, 21% in inlet sediment, and 4% in wild crustaceans.
 

Steps to Take if Pond Sediment is Contaminated with AHPND

If sediment in the pond bottom is found to contain AHPND-causing pathogens during farming operations, immediate and strategic actions are needed to mitigate the impact of contamination. Here are some steps you can take:
 

1. Siphoning

Sediment is an accumulation of organic material that settles at the bottom of shrimp ponds. Siphoning can reduce the amount of sediment at the bottom. Use a pump or take advantage of gravity to carry out siphoning.
 

2. Water Replacement

Gradually replace water to maintain good water quality. Perform siphoning beforehand. Also, add aeration to increase dissolved oxygen levels, particularly at the pond bottom.
 

3. Application of Probiotics

Use probiotics to improve pond bottom conditions and suppress the population of pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the cause of AHPND.
 

4. Intensive Monitoring

Conduct regular pond checks and monitor shrimp for signs of disease, including clinical symptoms of AHPND, such as changes in hepatopancreas color, shrimp behavior, and sudden mortality.
 

Intensive Monitoring with ShrimProtect: Fast and Accurate!

Ensure your pond’s health with the ShrimProtect qPCR Kit! Check your ponds and detect shrimp diseases early in just 35 minutes without hassle. With short preparation times, low contamination risks, and ultra-fast results, ShrimProtect helps you take action promptly. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your shrimp farming today!

 

References

1. Ahmed J, Khan MH, Unnikrishnam S, Ramalingam K. 2022. Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) as a Challenging Threat in Shrimp. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry. 12(1):978–991.
2. Josji J, Srisala J, Truong VH, Chen, Nuangsaeng B, Suthienkul O, Lo CF, Flegel TW, Sritunyalucksana K, Thitamadee S. 2014. Variation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates from a Single Thai Shrimp Farm Experiencing an Outbreak of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND). Aquaculture. 428–429.
3. JALA Tech - Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease
4. Trobos Aqua - AHPND: Know the Causes, Prevent the Spread
5. Proper Application of Biosecurity for Shrimp Ponds - DELOS Aqua