White Spot Disease Outbreak in Confined Rain-fed Shrimp Culture Ponds of Chilka Lake: A Case Study

Incidence of large-scale mortality of cultured shrimp due to white spot disease caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been recorded from the confined rain-fed pond culture system in Haridas and Kusubenti villages of Chilka Lake, Orissa (India). Gross signs and symptoms of the disease and behavioural changes in shrimp were observed. Some of the soil and water quality parameters have been analysed and no adverse conditions could be observed. Detailed histopathological observations made on the moribund shrimp indicated the presence of WSSV. The probable source of the disease transmission in the confined culture system is discussed.