Tag EMS

Ideally, farmers need to create conditions that make it harder for the pathogenic Vibrio that causes AHPN to colonize animals’ stomachs and for the toxin to produce its pathology. Exclusion where possible and appropriate management of ecosystems offer hope in addressing AHPN. 

The pathogenicity of early mortality syndrome in shrimp is likely regulated by quorum sensing, which allows the Vibrio bacteria that colonize shrimp guts to coordinate the release of the toxin that damages shrimp digestive systems. 

Early mortality syndrome (EMS) has led to reduced production in major Asian shrimp-farming areas and resulted in higher prices for shrimp. The situation provides opportunities for low-intensity producers in Latin America and other traditionally secondary shrimp producers to expand output and fill the supply void. 

The University of Arizona Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory identifies a unique strain of Vibrio bacteria as the causative agent for EMS/AHPNS. 

The emerging disease Early Mortality Syndrome has caused large losses among shrimp farmers. EMS is characterized by mass mortalities during the first 30 days of culture. 

Early Mortality Syndrome is a new disease that has been detected at shrimp farms in Asia. It appears within 30 days of stocking and causes symptoms that include lethargy; soft, darkened shells and mottling of the carapace.