New paradigm for controlling EMS/APHNS in intensive p. Vannamei boone 1931 culture ponds

Abstract

Since 2014, a gradual paradigm shift has been taking place in Thailand, where the farmers have changed the dynamics of their ponds to maximize diversity to control Vibrio and prevent APHND/EMS outbreaks. The objective is a rather simple one… to keep the pond bottoms clean of sediments and sludge. To achieve this, farm modules can use a combination of recirculation and flow-through water exchange to maintain a low-risk, sustainable culture system. There are four major components that the “new” farm design incorporates into the strategy to maintain clean pond bottoms: reduction of grow-out pond size, increased reservoir to grow-out pond ratio, increased aeration/energy capacity, and construction of a "shrimp toilet" at the center of the pond. The most significant shift in strategy is the reservoir to grow-out ratio. Traditional farms that were once 20 % reservoirs and 80 % production were changed to 60 % reservoir and 40 % grow-out capacity. Transitioning a traditional farm into an intensive, controlled and sustainable “shrimp toilet” culture system may be the best solution to overcome APHND, Vibriosis and viral diseases.