White spot disease/white spot syndrome virus
How to spot white spot disease, what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread.
Applies to England and Wales
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颁辞苍迟别苍迟蝉听
- How to spot white spot disease
- How white spot disease is spread
- Preventing and controlling white spot disease
- Further information on white spot disease
- Legislation relating to white spot disease
- Who to contact if you suspect white spot disease
White spot disease (or white spot syndrome virus - WSSV) is a serious viral disease of decapod crustaceans (of the Order Decapoda), all of which are considered susceptible to the virus at all life stages - whether marine, brackish, or freshwater. It is one of the most important diseases affecting shrimp production globally, and in particular can cause high mortality in penaeid shrimp species such as whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei).听听
More information on susceptible and vector species can be found here: Susceptible and vector species - 188体育 (www.gov.uk)
In Great Britain the disease status for white spot disease is categorised as 鈥榰ndetermined鈥�, however, the virus has never been detected in UK populations of crustacea.听 It is a 鈥�listed鈥� (also referred to as 鈥榥otifiable鈥�) disease which you are legally obligated to report immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas. Fish Health Inspectorate - 188体育 (www.gov.uk)听
It does not affect humans.听
How to spot white spot disease听
Outbreaks can occur due to environmental stressors such as rapid changes of salinity, the ideal water temperature for White spot disease expression is between 18掳C and 30掳C.听听
Signs of the disease can include:听
- shrimp moving towards the pond edge or surface听
- reduced appetite听
- erratic swimming听
- lethargic听
- high levels of colour variations听
- light white discoloured spots听
- high morbidity or mortality听
How white spot disease is spread听
White spot disease is spread through movements of and contact with infected crustaceans, contaminated water or equipment.听
Infected crustaceans can act as 鈥榗arriers鈥� and do not have to be sick or diseased to spread the virus.听
Preventing and controlling white spot disease听听
There is no treatment for white spot disease.听
Prevention is the best approach to disease control. You can protect your crustacea from serious diseases by being aware of the signs of white spot disease and other serious diseases and checking stock health regularly. Implement good husbandry and biosecurity practices.听
Further information on biosecurity measures plans, guidance and templates can be found here: Biosecurity Measure Plans - Information and Templates - 188体育 (www.gov.uk)听
You must be sure any crustaceans introduced are white spot disease free. Do not buy crustacea of unknown origin.听听
Follow the rules on moving aquatic animals: Aquatic animal health and movements guides - 188体育 (www.gov.uk)听
You must report it to the FHI immediately if you notice or become aware of crustaceans showing any of the signs of white spot disease. The FHI will investigate and apply disease control measures if required.听听听
Further information on white spot disease听
ite spot syndrome virus.听
Legislation relating to white spot disease听
2009听听
The listed diseases are in and .听
Who to contact if you suspect white spot disease听听
If you suspect or know of a listed disease of fish or shellfish in England and Wales, you must report it immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas. You must also inform the FHI immediately if you know or suspect that increased mortality has occurred.听听
Under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 it is a legal obligation to report suspicion of white spot disease in any farmed or wild shellfish to the FHI. It is an offence under the Regulations to fail to inform the FHI of suspicion of white spot disease.听
- 贰尘补颈濒:鈥�[email protected]听
- Telephone: 01305 206700听- Monday to Thursday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- For emergencies out of hours telephone: 01305 206630
Fish Health Inspectorate
Barrack Road,听The Nothe
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UB