Shrimp Health Management Extension Manual - Library - Network of ...

5. HANDLING A SHRIMP DISEASE OUTBREAKDespite all the precautions, farmers may still suffer some shrimp disease problems. Prompt actionis essential in such circumstances to rectify the problems, reduce the losses and minimise the impactson neighboring farms.Particular times of concern:wwwwwIf any sick shrimp has been found in any of the surrounding farms, this is an indication ofstressful conditions in the area.Weather changes, particularly cloudy and rainy weather for prolonged periods.Changes in the colour of pond water.Sudden blackening of pond bottom.Shrimp coming to pond edges and increasing number of dead or weak shrimps.Under such circumstances, the following actions should be taken :wwCheck any abnormalities in water and soil condition and take immediate action to correctthe problem. (See 3.1.2. water management and 4.1.1 soil management)Remove dead animals and bury them away from the ponds.Removal of dead shrimp from pond marginswwwIf the mortality rate is increasing rapidly, and shrimp are not feeding, an emergency harvestcan be carried out preferably using cast netting to avoid discharge of infected water into themain water source.Before releasing the water to the drainage, treat the pond water with bleaching powder(calcium hypochlorite) and leave for 5-7 days before discharging.To avoid spread of disease to other ponds in the area, the neighbouring farmers should bekept well informed about shrimp disease problems, emergency harvest and the time anddate of water discharge.24