Improving capability for shrimp virus PCR testing laboratories in Vietnam

• Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia Pacific, Thailand

Vietnam is a major producer of farmed shrimp with annual production exceeding 330,000 tonnes. The bulk of production is from smallholder farming systems in the Mekong Delta region and production is almost entirely black tiger shrimp (P. monodon). As occurs elsewhere in Asia, viral disease has a major impact on shrimp aquaculture in Vietnam with losses estimated at 20-25% of annual production.

The management of viral disease in shrimp aquaculture is based entirely upon pathogen exclusion and stress minimisation practices. One of the most critical control points for pathogen exclusion is the use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to screen broodstock and/or seed for major pathogens prior to stocking of ponds. However, there is currently little or no regulation of PCR screening techniques, which results in poor reproducibility and reliability, causing many farmers to question the value of the screens. The objective of this project to improve delivery of PCR screening performance and enhance reliability of shrimp production for small-holder farmers by adapting an approach developed and applied in India and Indonesia under another ACIAR Project (FIS/2002/075). This involves targeted training for service laboratory technicians from the government and private sectors with coordinated inter-laboratory calibrations of PCR testing performance. Increased reliability of PCR testing will ensure improved shrimp seed quality, resulting in improved productivity for small-holder shrimp farmers. There will be a flow-on of benefit to allied industries, local communities and the national economy. There will also be benefit to the Australian shrimp farming sector by assisting the reduction of exotic disease risks associated with increasing trade in seafood and seafood products.