An Indian Perspective on the Infection and Diagnostic Landscape of Shrimp Aquaculture

Abstract

The shrimp aquaculture industry has seen substantial growth over the past two decades, which is driven by the increasing global demand for food. Farmed shrimp products are a highly valued commodity, with Indian market revenue from this industry alone being more than 10 billion USD. With this growth, the importance of addressing diseases caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa has become increasingly important. Additionally, the mismanagement of antibiotics and the rise of antimicrobial resistance pose significant challenges in the industry. Efficient diagnostic solutions are needed to address these challenges and protect the sustainability of industry and consumer health. While traditional methods are used for detecting culturable pathogens, molecular diagnostics are still in their early stages of development. The high cost of molecular testing and the limited availability of laboratories are some of the challenges faced by aquaculture farmers. The development of rapid, sensitive, and deployable diagnostics and research tools at the farm and hatchery levels is essential for a better understanding and management of diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The importance of diagnostics in shrimp aquaculture cannot be overstated, as it is essential for the sustainability of the industry and protection of consumer health. In addition to continued research, industry must also focus on the commercialization of these technologies, as commercialized diagnostic solutions can offer a standardized and trustworthy method of disease management. This, in turn, can result in better disease control and a more sustainable shrimp aquaculture industry.