Transforming the farm managers into the “family doctors” of their own ponds

Abstract

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is caused by a virulent strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND) not easily differentiated from other Vibrio spp pathogens. For the management of VPAHPND, an integral part of the shrimp gut and culture water ecosystems, timely responses to ecological changes in these niches is critical. For humans, companion animals, poultry and livestock, doctors or veterinarians are available to provide disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment accordingly. For shrimp, a farm manager is the best candidate to serve as the “family doctor” to prevent and/or mitigate threats from AHPND. Based on recent advances in the understanding of VPAHPND, different tools have become available for AHPND management, including on-site microbiological and molecular test tools (e.g. spread plate method and insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR)) for diagnosis, and ecological tools (e.g. indoor pond facilities and application of probiotics) for treatment. Working on a hand-held POCKIT™ PCR device in a format ready for on-site applications, two POCKIT™ iiPCR assays targeting different markers are available to enable identification of VPAHPND in postlarvae (PL), midgut, faeces and pond water. Therefore, pond managers can be trained to use the on-site diagnostics tools and interpret test results, and to apply front-line treatments for AHPND.