The shrimp industry amidst a wave of multi-pathogen diseases

The Brackish Water Shrimp Industry Facing a Multi-Pathogen Crisis and the Quest for Survival

Context and Core Challenges Brackish water shrimp remains a pillar of Vietnam's marine economy, maintaining a farming area of 740,000 hectares, yielding over 1.2 million tons, and generating an annual export value of 3.5 to 4 billion USD. It sustains millions of coastal livelihoods. However, the competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp is being severely undermined by complex multi-pathogen outbreaks, which increase mortality rates and production costs. Climate change and fluctuating water conditions create ideal environments for pathogens. Most concerning is the rising trend of co-infections, rendering traditional treatment methods ineffective.

Four Major Pathogenic Threats Field surveillance has identified four critical pathogens severely impacting the industry:

1. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP): Known as a silent destroyer, EHP parasitizes the hepatopancreas, stunting growth and suppressing immunity. In 2024-2025, EHP prevalence reached an alarming 25-34.4% in the Mekong Delta and 11-27% in the North. Co-infection with opportunistic Vibrio bacteria can trigger devastating white feces syndrome.

2. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV): Highly contagious with massive mortality rates. Data from 2025-2026 indicates severe outbreaks during seasonal transitions (February to May) in northern provinces.

3. Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND): Caused by Vibrio strains carrying PirA/PirB toxins, it strikes post-larvae between 10-45 days. Infection rates in Ca Mau range from 3.1-5.2%. The abuse of antibiotics to combat this disease has led to antimicrobial resistance and severe gut dysbiosis in shrimp.

4. Translucent Post-Larvae Disease (TPD): An emerging threat to hatcheries, affecting the PL4-PL7 stages. Caused by virulent Vibrio strains carrying vhvp1, vhvp2, and vhvp3 genes, it causes abnormal transparency and mass mortality. TPD thrives in salinities of 10-35‰ and has spread nationwide.

Proactive Solutions for Sustainable Growth Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Nha asserts that shifting from disease treatment to proactive prevention is crucial. Key solutions include:

1. Seed Quality Control: Mandatory PCR screening for WSSV, AHPND, EHP, and TPD. Farmers must strictly use Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) seeds at appropriate stocking densities.

2. Enhanced Biosecurity: Promoting membrane-lined ponds for optimal waste removal, utilizing scientifically designed settling ponds, and installing exclusion nets to block wild crustaceans carrying pathogens.

3. Biotechnology Integration: Replacing antibiotics with probiotics to outcompete harmful Vibrio. Supplementing diets with Vitamin C and Beta-glucan to boost natural immunity.

4. Digital Transformation and Long-term Vision: Investing in breeding disease-resistant lines and deploying IoT, AI, and Big Data for automated water monitoring and early disease outbreak forecasting.

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