The White Spot Disease (WSD, caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus or WSSV) poses a serious threat for shrimp farmers, especially those in intensive cultivation areas such as the Northern Coast of Java. This area is known as a center for intensive shrimp farming. The high density of shrimp ponds facilitates the spread of WSSV, primarily through water, equipment, and intermediary organisms like birds.
Risk factors in the Northern Coast of Java
There are various factors which increase the risk for the spread of WSSV in the Northern Coast, namely:
1. High-density cultivation activities
As one of Indonesia's main shrimp farming centers, the Northern Coast of Java has numerous shrimp ponds located close to each other. The short distance between ponds makes disease transmission easier. Additionally, the high volume of wastewater from shrimp farming activities further facilitates the spread of WSSV.
2. High stocking density
High stocking density increases stress on shrimp, reducing their resistance to infections, including WSD. Moreover, limited space in high-density ponds leads to water contamination, increasing the potential spread of pathogens.
3. Poor water quality
The waters of the Northern Coast of Java are often polluted by wastewater from domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities. High organic matter and pollutants can stress shrimp, weaken their immune system, and increase the risk of diseases including white spot. Moreover, fluctuations in water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) also increase the risk of diseases, thus their stability needs to be maintained.
Minimizing WSSV risk in the Northern Coast of Java
The risk of WSSV in the Northern Coast of Java can be mitigated through several strategies, including:
1. Increasing biosecurity
Biosecurity is every effort taken to prevent the entry and spread of pathogens into cultivation environment, and should be a crucial part of shrimp cultivation. Biosecurity efforts can be done in several ways:
- Installing nets to block birds and predators from entering.
- Sterilizing equipment before usage and designating different equipment for different ponds.
- Ensuring that the water used for cultivation has been sterilized.
2. Management of water quality
Since water is the primary medium for shrimp growth, maintaining its quality is essential for creating an optimal farming environment. This can be done by:
- Monitoring water quality (pH, temperature, DO and salinity) regularly.
- Adding probiotics to maintain water quality.
- Keeping pond bottom conditions clean and performing regular siphoning.
3. Choosing high quality shrimp fry
The quality of shrimp fry determines the quality of cultivated shrimp. Farmers can ensure the quality of their shrimp fry by choosing fry that has passed PCR tests and is WSSV-free and purchasing from reliable hatcheries.
4. Implementing proper feed management
Excessive feeding can degrade water quality and increase disease risks. Proper feed management involves avoiding overfeeding to prevent organic waste buildup and adjusting feed portions based on shrimp needs by regularly monitoring feeding trays.
Conclusion
The risk of WSD and other shrimp diseases increases due to poor biosecurity and water quality. By routinely monitoring pond conditions and checking shrimp for early signs of WSD, farmers can identify disease risks before it's too late. If an infection is detected, isolate the infected pond to prevent the disease from spreading immediately, or consider early harvest to minimize losses.
For accurate pond condition monitoring and better decision-making, shrimp farmers can use the JALA App, a shrimp farm management application. With JALA App, you can record and monitor your ponds anytime and anywhere. Haven't joined JALA App? Sign up now at app.jala.tech and download the mobile version on Google Play Store or App Store!
