The shrimp industry has been beset by many devastating diseases in the last three decades, which have caused severe production and economic losses and even caused the collapse of the industry in some countries. Recently, emerging shrimp viral diseases have threatened the shrimp industry. For example, the virus, formally named Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) by ICTV, has caused mortality in farmed Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The virus infects all stages of shrimps and has also been observed to infect crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

China extended its National Targeted Surveillance Program to cover DIV1 since 2017 and revealed that DIV1 had been detected in 9 out of 15 provincial administrative regions. Positive cases have been reported in the wild populations of P. monodon caught in the Indian Ocean. In June 2020, Chinese Taipei reported the presence of the disease in crayfish and shrimp farms. The geographic distribution of DIV1 may be wider than currently known, since mortality may not have been investigated in other countries or regions.

In order to provide updated knowledge, recommendations, and emergency preparedness for DIV1 and other emerging shrimp diseases, NACA is organising a public consultation, the Regional Webinar on Infection with Decapod Iridescent Virus 1 (DIV1) and Preparedness for Emerging Shrimp Diseases, to be held on 10-11 September 2020.

This Regional Consultation will be undertaken with the primary objectives of discussing and planning actions for the prevention and management of the disease. Specific objectives are to:

• Provide updated technological information on DIV1.
• Advocate the strengthening of diagnostic capacities as well as active surveillance of DIV1 (to detect presence or absence of the virus).
• Formulate recommendations on sanitary measures (including biosecurity) for disease prevention.
• Promote emergency preparedness for emerging diseases.

The webinar will be held via a Zoom video conference. Participation is open to all interested parties but limited to 500 places. More information is available in the announcement. To participate, please register your attendance at the link below:

• Announcement (agenda)
• Registration