In shrimp farming, disease prevention and treatment is a proactive and comprehensive process because shrimp live underwater, making direct observation of pathogens very difficult. Once disease breaks out in an environment with a large number of shrimp, it spreads very quickly. Therefore, in addition to learning about farming techniques, farmers need to closely monitor the shrimp stock’s activity and implement appropriate shrimp disease prevention techniques from the very beginning of the farming season. Vemedim will summarize 5 measures to help improve disease prevention, aiming for a healthy shrimp stock and a successful crop right below.
1. Choose high-quality seed stock - shrimp disease prevention techniques should be the top priority
Seed stock is the foundation that determines the success of the entire crop. Even if you have prepared the pond, managed feed and water perfectly, if the shrimp seed carries hidden pathogens, the risk of disease outbreak remains very high. Dangerous diseases such as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), monodon baculovirus (MBV), yellow head virus (HPV), and Taura syndrome often originate from infected seed stock.
Choosing reputable, healthy seed stock that has been tested for pathogens using modern methods such as PCR is the first step to minimize risks and ensure stable shrimp growth from the start of the crop. The benefits of this shrimp disease prevention technique are:
- Reduce the risk of disease outbreaks from the outset.
- Shrimp grow evenly, with fewer ulcers and deformities.
- Increase survival rates, helping farmers save costs.
>> See more:
- Summary of dangerous diseases in brackish-water farmed shrimp
- MBV disease in shrimp – Causes and effective prevention methods
2. Clean and treat the pond before and after each farming cycle
The pond is where shrimp live and grow, and it is also a potential environment for pathogens if not properly cleaned. The sludge layer at the bottom of the pond accumulates organic matter, leftover feed, shrimp waste... creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to develop.
Therefore, thoroughly cleaning the pond before and after each farming cycle is an extremely important shrimp disease prevention technique. A clean pond will minimize stress factors for shrimp, increase immunity, and create favorable environmental conditions for shrimp growth. Steps to follow:
- Scrub lined ponds with disinfectant solutions such as chlorine or potassium permanganate.
- Remove organic sludge, dry the pond bottom for 5–7 days, and apply lime to eliminate pathogens.
- Water supplied to the pond must be clean, passed through a settling pond, and free of toxic chemicals.
- Color the water with EM – AQUA to create natural feed for shrimp, stimulate feeding, and promote growth.
- Use biological products and probiotics to improve the shrimp pond environment such as Vemedim BKC 80%, Vemedim Bitech Yucca, and Vemedim Aqua Bacillus to create a suitable living environment.
3. Manage stocking density appropriately
Stocking density is an important factor determining shrimp health and productivity. Stocking too densely will cause shrimp to compete for feed, produce more waste, and quickly pollute the pond water, leading to disease outbreaks. Conversely, stocking too sparsely wastes pond area and reduces economic efficiency. Proper density management helps shrimp grow evenly and healthily while reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. Suggested densities:
- Intensive farming: 50–60 shrimp/m²
- Super-intensive farming: 200–250 shrimp/m² (depending on area and water source)
4. Scientific feed management
Feed not only helps shrimp grow quickly but also directly affects immunity and water quality. Feeding too much or too little is harmful: excess feed pollutes the water, creates organic sludge, and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites; insufficient feed causes shrimp to become stunted, weakens immunity, and makes them more susceptible to disease.
Scientific feed management, based on the shrimp’s growth stage and supplemented with vitamins and minerals, helps strengthen the immune system, harden the shell faster after molting, and reduce stress. Note the following:
- Monitor leftover feed after each feeding to adjust promptly.
- When shrimp are still small, feed just enough; as shrimp grow, adjust the ration according to size.
- Supplement vitamin C and minerals with products such as Anti Shock, Vemedim Calcimix, Vemedim Elecamin, Herbal Pro to enhance shrimp immunity.
5. Manage water quality and pond environment
Water is the main living environment for shrimp and also the key factor determining health, growth rate, and disease resistance. Unstable water parameters will stress shrimp, cause poor molting, reduce immunity, and create conditions for pathogens to develop.
Effective water management includes controlling pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, NO2, NH3, and toxic gases with products such as Vemedim Aqua Clean, Vemedim CAP 2000, Vemedim Oxy Supplier, Vemedim Green Water or Vemedim Oxy Viên periodically to improve water quality, decompose organic sludge, and remove leftover feed. This shrimp disease prevention technique helps:
- Create a stable environment for shrimp to grow healthily.
- Prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
- Help shrimp molt on schedule, increase productivity, and reduce losses.
To achieve high and stable productivity, farmed shrimp cannot rely on luck when disease occurs — a clear strategy is needed from seed selection to monitoring and rapid response when abnormal signs appear. We hope the 5 measures, shrimp disease prevention techniques, that Vemedim has shared will serve as an action framework to help shrimp farmers be more proactive in disease prevention for the new crop. Please contact Vemedim for detailed advice; Vemedim is always ready to accompany farmers through every stage of the shrimp farming cycle!
