In the absence of identified biotic or abiotic cause(s) of the syndrome, this disease card provides information on signs that can be used for presumptive (pond level) and confirmative (animal level) diagnosis of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome of shrimp. The syndrome involves mass mortalities of up to 100% during the first 20-30 days after stocking. Affected shrimp consistently show an abnormal hepatopancreas, which may be shrunken, swollen or discoloured; loose shells, corkscrew swimming, pale colouration and slow growth.

Infectious myonecrosis is a viral disease caused by infectious myonecrosis virus. It affects Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei, tiger shrimp P. monodon and blue shrimp P. stylirostris. IMN is associated with heavy losses in farmed shrimp of 40-70%. Originally reported from Brazil, outbreaks were first reported in Indonesia in May 2006. With the current spread of the disease there is a high threat of the disease spreading to neighbouring P. vannamei-producing countries.

Acute viral necrosis in scallops was included in the list of Qquarterly Aquatic Animal Disease (QAAD) reporting list for the year 2008. The disease card developed by regional resource experts from China in support of QAAD reporting system in Asia-Pacific provides information on pathogen, hosts, and confirmatory diagnostic methods. This is an emerging disease in the region and has caused significant losses to scallop culture industry in China.

During 2002, slow growth of farmed Penaeus monodon was reported throughout shrimp growing areas of Thailand and figures indicated that annual production volume was reduced by approximately 36%. The cause of this slow growth was not determined but laboratory trails suggested that a filterable infectious agent was involved. Injected extracts affected P. monodon but not P. vannamei. The slow growth condition was referred to as monodon slow growth syndrome or MSGS. This disease card provides an overview.

This information sheet provides an explanation and background information on Specific Pathogen Free organisms. Key points include that SPF animals are designated to be free from specified pathogens, only. The SPF status simply provides an assurance to the buyer that the stock is not infected with the specified pathogens at the time of purchase. The SPF status is lost when animals are removed from biosecure facilities.