This is the last day of the Aquavet II course.
Did you know that these prawns moult after they have grown by ~18% and around the time of the full moon (synchronised in line with the lunar cycle!)?
Did you know ~90% of the shrimp consumed in the USA is sourced from farms?
Did you know that shrimp farming occurs in the Arizona desert? They utilise water with 2ppt salinity and the nutrient-rich water used to irrigate salt tolerant durum wheat and olive groves.
Did you know that there have been >$20 billion in losses worldwide since 1980 due to disease?
More than 60% of shrimp diseases are due to viruses. WSSV can wipe out a country’s shrimp farming in as little as 3 days! It has >90 spp of crustacean hosts (close to 120spp at the last count)! Unfortunately no vaccine exists for shrimp.
How does disease spread? There are many ways and it can even include intentional sabotage!
The future of shrimp farming is predicted to be via the “super-intensive system” where it can yield 20,000-100,000 kg/ha. Why? There is no need for the expensive coastal location, utilises smaller land area and makes it possible for higher biosecurity.
Dr Loh’s trip to attend AquaVet has been made possible through the – “People development program: 2011 Aquatic Animal Health Training Scheme which is supported by funding from the FRDC on behalf of the Australian Government”.
