Diseases of the giant river prawnMacrobrachium rosenbergii: A review for a growing industry

Abstract

The giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is a major focus of aquaculture in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the globe. Over the last 30 years, culture of M. rosenbergii has increased exponentially as demand has risen both for domestic consumption and for international export trade. As with many aquaculture species increases in production have been accompanied by the emergence of diseases affecting yield, profit and trading potential. Disease-causing agents include pathogens infecting other crustaceans, such as Decapod Iridescent Virus (DIV1), as well as pathogens only known from M. rosenbergii such as White Tail Disease caused by Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV). Here, we review the pathogenic agents associated with the culture of M. rosenbergii since commercial culture began in earnest during the 1970s. Particular emphasis is given to pathogens first identified in other aquaculture host species, but which have subsequently been shown to infect and cause disease in M. rosenbergii. As polyculture of M. rosenbergii with other aquaculture species is common practice, including culture with other decapods, crabs and fish, increased pathogen transfer among these farmed species may occur as M. rosenbergii aquaculture increases in the future.aquaculture, emerging disease, giant river prawn, polyculture | INTRODUCTIONAquaculture is the fastest-growing farmed food sector, with the proportion of cultured to caught seafood increasing year-on-year. 1,2 Global aquaculture production for fish, crustaceans and molluscs surpassed 87 million tonnes in 2020, just under half of all world production. 2 Crustacean production by aquaculture far surpasses that by capture, with more than 11,000,000 tonnes in 2020 from aquaculture compared to 6,000,000 tonnes by capture. 2 Despite these considerable production figures, it is estimated that up to 40% of tropical shrimp aquaculture production is lost annually, 3 equating to losses of over 3 billion USD, and this is primarily due to infection with viral agents. 4 Losses on this scale threaten global food security, with most of the consumption of cultured crustaceans being outside of producing countries, making management and mitigation of disease of key importance to the future success of crustacean aquaculture. 4 Stentiford et al. (2012) outlines a holistic strategy involving both producer and consumer nations to improve husbandry and farm management, better understand pathogens and their spread (either by movement of animals or alternative hosts) and learn lessons from previous disease outbreaks. This review focuses on these points to outline the pathogenic agents in Macrobrachium rosenbergii culture, identify other hosts

Pathogenicity of Aeromonas veronii Isolated from Diseased Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Host Immune-Related Gene Expression Profiles

“…Disease outbreaks caused by viral and bacterial pathogens have resulted in significant declines in the production of farmed crustaceans [23]. M. rosenbergii, an economically important cultured crustacean species, has experienced mass mortalities as a consequence of infections with various pathogens, including Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV), DIV1, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, A. caviae, and A. veronii [2]. In this study, strain JDM1-1 was identified as A. veronii based on the analysis of molecular information, including 16S rRNA and gyrB sequences, as well as biochemical reactions.…”

“…China has become the world's largest producer of Macrobrachium rosenbergii, a giant freshwater prawn, with an increase from 136,415 tons in 2000 to 177,836 tons in 2022 according to the China Fishery Statistical Yearbook [1]. M. rosenbergii is one of the most economically cultured freshwater species and is primarily found in tropical and sub-tropical areas [2]. With the rapid expansion of M. rosenbergii aquaculture in China, there has been a concurrent increase in the occurrence of diseases.…”

Current Disease Threats for Cultivated Crab Eriocheir sinensis in China

“…: 919-927) [52]. [6]. Tis necessitates the strictest doable biosecurity measures being put in place, along with ongoing vigilance for both new and existing pathogens.…”

“…However, there have recently been a number of concerns regarding the sustainability of E. sinensis aquaculture. Similar to shrimp or prawn farm operations, when new aquaculture techniques appear at the same time as a concentrated push to boost crab farming production, the danger of crab disease also increases [6]. Numerous diseases, induced by bacterial, viral, fungal, and other eukaryotic pathogens, have been found in cultivated E. sinensis.…”

Impact of water temperature on the shipping of berried female broodstock (Macrobrachium rosenbergii): A study on survival, egg retention, hatching duration, and hatching success rate

“…Central to this success is the giant freshwater prawn, also known as Macrobrachium rosenbergii, an important species in aquatic farming. Originating from the diverse ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific, this prawn has transcended its native habitat to become a linchpin in aquaculture endeavors spanning tropical and subtropical regions (Hooper et al, 2023). South and Southeast Asia stand as compelling stages for this narrative, with Thailand and Taiwan rising as virtuoso performers in the art of prawn cultivation.…”