The Viability of Taura Syndrome Virus in Low-salinity Water

Abstract

Taura syndrome virus (TSV) could survive up to 10 days in water at the salinity of 5- 10 parts per thousand (ppt) and could infect Pacific white shrimp, causing mortalities. Histopathological investigations of TSV-infected shrimp showed necrosis of the cuticular epithelium, marked by nuclear pyknosis and karyorrhexis. Basophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies could be seen in the cuticular epithelium of the shrimp’s body, appendages, gills, esophagus, stomach, hindgut and rarely in the epithelium of antennal gland, giving them the characteristic “peppered” or “buckshot” appearance. The studied results indicated that shrimp farmers should eliminate all carriers of TSV, such as shrimp and crabs from the rearing ponds and allow water to sustain for at least 15 days before releasing shrimp into the pond.