16 DECEMBER 2012 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Update on Early Mortality Syndrome in Penaeid Shrimp A relatively new shrimp disease of unknown etiology continues to spread in Southeast Asia. The disease occurred first in southern China in 2009 and spread to Vietnam in 2010, where it has had a devastating effect in the Mekong Delta, cutting production by 30-40 percent, with losses of US$ 1 billion in 2011 and 2012. The disease caused losses of 80 percent of the shrimp crop in southern China in 2011. The disease was detected in Malaysia in mid-2011 and the eastern Gulf of Thailand in early 2012. It appears to affect black tiger shrimp and Pacific white shrimp equally. Recently stocked shrimp become lethargic and anorexic and have a soft, loose shell. Mortalities in severely affected ponds can be nearly complete. The disease was first called Early Mortality Syndrome because it occurs within 20-30 days of stocking. However, many other shrimp diseases occur in juvenile shrimp, leading to confusion about the cause of this particular disease. A more descriptive name, based on initial symptoms and the distinctive lesion, is Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (AHPNS). As the name implies, the hepatopancreas is the main organ affected, which appears atrophied, with a pale, yellow or white coloration, and occasionally black spots or streaks. There is an acute and progressive degeneration of the hepatopancreas. Shrimp ultimately die from dysfunction of the hepatopancreas, often followed by a massive, opportunistic, and terminal Vibrio infection. The cause of the disease remains a mystery. An infectious agent is suspected because it has spread like an infectious disease, but a specific viral, bacterial, or parasitic infectious agent has not been identified. Homogenate from frozen animals injected into healthy shrimp does not cause AHPNS. A toxic agent appears unlikely, but has not been ruled out. The degeneration pathology of the hepatopancreas is similar to that caused by alfatoxin B1. However, shrimp feeds and ingredients that have been tested do not cause AHPNS. Cypermethrin, the crusticide that is used to treat incoming water as a shrimp farm biosecurity measure, does not cause AHPNS. An initial survey, supported by the World Bank, the OIE, and the Responsible Aquaculture Foundation, was done in July. A FAO-supported project started in August and will continue until 2013. Collaborators on the project include the Department of Animal Health and Can Tho University in Vietnam. Other partners include the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Arizona and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA). An Emergency Regional Consultation, organized by NACA and with support from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, was held on 9-10 August 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. The final report of the emergency consultation can be found on-line (library.enaca.org/ Health/Publication/ahpns-emergency-consultation-report.pdf). EDITORS NOTE: Dr. Donald Lightner provided information for this article. Pentair Aquatic Systems Acquires Aquatic Eco-Systems and Point Four Systems In an aggressive move, Pentair Aquatic Systems, based in Sanford, NC, acquired two companies to bolster its position in the aquaculture equipment supply market. In early October, the company acquired Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. (AES) of Apopka, FL. The new company is called Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems. Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. is a global leader in custom design solutions, equipment and supplies distribution, and technical support for aquaculture markets. The company, founded by the late Bob Heideman in 1978, serves a variety of aquatic interests and industries, from commercial aquaculture and lake management to public aquariums and water gardens. “The acquisition of AES is in line with our strategy to focus on the expanding aquaculture industry,” said Karl Frykman, President of Pentair’s Aquatic Systems global business unit. “Combining our world-class operational processes, investment capabilities and global reach with AES’s extensive aquatic product offerings, systems and their in-house team of biologists, engineers and technicians, creates a comprehensive resource for aquaculture technology, equipment and engineered solutions.” Ten days after the acquisition of AES, Pentair Aquatic Systems acquired Point Four Systems, Inc. (PFS). Point Four Systems is a leading provider of engineered solutions and equipment for water quality monitoring and treatment. Point Four Systems is headquartered in Coquitlam, British Columbia and has international subsidiaries in Puerto Montt, Chile and Suzhou City, China. “PFS adds critical water quality technology to Pentair’s equipment portfolio while increasing our global reach,” said Frykman. “The combination of PFS along with our recent acquisition of Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. allows Pentair to be the single point of contact with the client while adding more technological capability and reaching a more global customer base.” Robert D. Miller will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer of Pentair’s Aquatic Systems business and has been appointed to lead the day-to-day operations of its aquaculture business, including AES and PFS. Pentair’s Aquatic Systems business provides leading edge equipment, accessories and water technology solutions to the swimming pools and aquaculture industries. Aquatic Systems produces a broad line of products from pumps and filtration equipment to thermal products, automated controls, lights, automatic cleaners, water purification and treatment technology, water features, and more. Applications for Aquatic Systems products include maintenance, repair and renovation of existing in-field equipment, as well as new installations in North America, Europe, and emerging markets such as China, Latin America and other countries. Pentair Ltd. (www.pentair.com) delivers industry-leading products, services and solutions for its customers’ diverse needs in water and other fluids, thermal management and equipment protection. With revenues of about $8 billion, Pentair employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. News Items
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