Shielding Your Shrimp from AHPND: A Comprehensive Guide
Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) or known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) can be a nightmare for shrimp farmers. While there is no guaranteed cure, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak and protect your shrimp. The following is a comprehensive guide for shrimp farmers to implement best practices and minimize AHPND:
Laying a Strong Foundation: Pond Preparation
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Disinfect Like a Pro: Don’t underestimate the pond preparation stage. After harvesting, completely dry the pond bed to eliminate any lingering bacteria or viruses. Apply lime according to recommended rates to kill harmful microorganisms.
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Introduce Beneficial Allies: Probiotics are your friends in shrimp farming. Introduce beneficial bacteria strains like ARIAKE 1 and ARIAKE KURO during pond preparation and at regular intervals throughout the culture cycle. These beneficial microbes compete with harmful pathogens for space and resources, helping to tilt the balance in favor of your shrimp.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment: Water Quality Management
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Be the Water Quality Guardian: Shrimp are sensitive creatures, and optimal water conditions are essential for their health and resistance to disease. Regularly monitor key water quality parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and dissolved oxygen. Ensure they stay within the recommended ranges for the specific shrimp species you’re farming. Invest in good quality testing kits or meters for accurate measurements.
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Don’t Crowd Your Shrimp: Just like us, shrimp don’t appreciate overcrowding. Practice appropriate stocking density based on pond size, water quality, and the species you’re raising. Overcrowding leads to stress, weakens the shrimp’s immune system, and creates favorable conditions for the spread of AHPND and other diseases.
Building Strong Defenses: Feed Management
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Fuel Their Wellbeing: Provide your shrimp with a balanced, high-quality diet formulated for their specific needs. Poor quality feed can lack essential nutrients, weakening their immune system and making them more susceptible to AHPND. Work with a reputable feed supplier to ensure your feed meets all the nutritional requirements for optimal shrimp growth and health.
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Consider AHPND-Specific Solutions: Several commercially available feed additives show promise in mitigating AHPND. Additives like POWERLAC are believed to work by protecting digestive tract from AHPND toxin, preventing them from harming the shrimp’s vital hepatopancreas (midgut gland). Research the effectiveness of these additives and their suitability for your farm before incorporating them into your feeding regimen.
Going the Extra Mile: Additional Measures
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Biosecurity is Key: AHPND can be introduced to your farm through contaminated water, equipment, or even on the footwear of visitors. Implement strict biosecurity protocols to minimize the introduction of pathogens.
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Early Detection Saves the Day: Regularly observe your shrimp for signs of AHPND, such as lethargy, reduced appetite, or discoloration of the hepatopancreas (usually turning reddish-brown). Early detection is crucial for containing outbreaks.
Remember: AHPND research is ongoing, and new information is constantly emerging. Stay informed about the latest scientific developments and best management practices. Consult with local aquaculture specialists or extension agents for specific recommendations tailored to your region, farming practices, and the specific shrimp species you’re cultivating. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of AHPND and ensure the success of your shrimp farm.
Author: Jery Prastiyo