Male infection with white spot syndrome virus decreases egg production and viability in Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infects decapods, resulting in up to 100% mortality. WSSV has been causing a decline in decapod populations, including Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), since its discovery in 1991. Currently, there are no studies about the effects of WSSV on reproduction in P. clarkii, but the impact this virus has on crayfish reproduction is crucial for farmers as it may increase financial strain. Eggs on some females exposed to the virus turned unusual colors, stopped developing, and were eaten. We aimed to determine whether WSSV affects egg production and survival in crayfishes. We performed controlled-mating experiments where P. clarkii males were exposed to a sublethal dose of WSSV. After mating, 75% of females paired with WSSV-exposed males produced eggs, but in significantly reduced numbers compared to control matings. Of those, 67% did not produce offspring and 33% of the pairs showed a severe reduction in viable offspring. We also noted a significant increase (P = 0.006) in time from egg laying to hatching for male-exposed females compared to non-exposed females. These results suggest that WSSV negatively impacts P. clarkii reproduction, which could prove detrimental to agricultural production of the crayfish.