Aquatic Health and Disease Management

A large number of dead fish were found floating in the Mula River near Pimple Nilakh on Sunday, raising concerns about ongoing water contamination in the region. This incident highlights the recurring issue of fish deaths in the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers, which has been a persistent problem in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Environmental activists have long been calling for concrete steps to address river pollution, rather than focusing solely on beautification projects.

Civic activist Raviraj Kale has filed a complaint with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), urging the administration and the environment department to take swift action. “The deaths occurred due to chemical contamination in the river water. The civic body must act immediately to prevent further pollution,” Kale stated.

According to the PCMC’s Environment Status Report (ESR), the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers remain polluted throughout the year. The report attributes this to untreated domestic and industrial waste being regularly discharged into the rivers. Despite this, PCMC has recently received environmental clearance for its River Rejuvenation Project (RRP) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), aimed at restoring the health of the Mula and Indrayani rivers.

Environmentalist Prashant Raut explained that declining levels of dissolved oxygen, caused by increased pollution, is a major factor leading to the deaths of aquatic life. “When pollutants enter the water, bacteria thrive on them, leading to a rise in their numbers. This increases the demand for oxygen, which depletes the dissolved oxygen available to fish and other aquatic organisms, causing them to suffocate,” he said. Raut also noted that the contaminated water might have originated from areas outside the PCMC’s jurisdiction, possibly from nearby industrial zones like Hinjewadi.

PCMC’s environment department head, Sanjay Kulkarni, confirmed that water samples have been collected for laboratory analysis. “We are conducting an investigation and will take appropriate action based on the results. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has also been informed, and their officials will visit the site for further assessment,” Kulkarni said.

This latest incident underscores the need for immediate and effective measures to curb river pollution, ensuring the protection of aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem

Source: Hindustan Times

Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd (Fischer MV), a trailblazer in the healthcare industry, has announced its investment and collaboration with Bio Angle Vacs Sdn Bhd (BAV), a leading biotechnology company in Malaysia. BAV is renowned for developing, manufacturing, and distributing vaccines for livestock and aquaculture, focusing on health and disease prevention on a global scale.

To date, BAV has secured an impressive US$ 83 million in annual sales contracts from countries such as China, Nigeria, Kenya, Chad, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, thanks to its innovative and highly sought-after animal vaccines.

Fischer MV, formerly known as Fischer Chemic Ltd, is celebrated for its affordable and high-quality medical diagnostic and imaging technologies. The company leverages cutting-edge innovations and AI-powered software solutions in healthcare. Notably, Fischer MV was the first company to indigenously manufacture advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems in India and boasts a diverse portfolio of breakthrough diagnostic solutions and AI healthcare platforms.

Founded in 2013, BAV has revolutionized the animal vaccination industry with its groundbreaking delivery methods that prioritize quality, safety, and efficacy. Its flagship innovation, the Spray Technology Vaccine (STVAC), was developed and patented by BAV’s founder, Prof. Mohd Zamri Saad, in collaboration with scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Ravindran Govindan, Executive Chairman & MD of Fischer MV, expressed confidence in the collaboration: “This partnership with BAV is our commitment to food security, starting from India with its 2nd largest sheep & goat population of about 223 million. With Fischer MV’s expertise in MedTech solutions, robust resources, and strategic network, we aim to bring BAV’s groundbreaking, cost-effective animal vaccines and products to the global market to improve food safety.”

Noor Shazreena Ishak, CEO of BAV, shared her enthusiasm: “With the growing demand for preventive healthcare in the animal world, we are dedicated to offering easy, cost-effective, and trustworthy solutions. Through this collaboration with Fischer MV, we will have stronger scientific, technological, and marketing support to meet the global demand for quality and affordable animal vaccines, ultimately reducing the burden of animal diseases worldwide.”

This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Fischer MV to advance its mission to strengthen global food security and health. Fischer MV is committed to ensuring the world’s food supply remains safe and resilient, directly contributing to better healthcare and healthier lives for people everywhere.

Since Sunday, tonnes of dead fish have been found floating on the banks of Sheelavanthakere Lake, causing concern among residents and walkers. The likely cause is suspected to be raw sewage entering the lake from the Nallurahalli side after last week’s rain, resulting in a foul stench around the area.

Officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Lakes Division attribute the mass fish kill to the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the polluted lake. To address the issue, they have submitted a proposal to the government for the installation of a 1.25-meter diameter diversion pipe to prevent sewage inflow. They are currently awaiting approval.

Residents, however, are frustrated with the lack of action. “The officials keep saying they have sent proposals but they never follow up. It appears that there is no coordination between BBMP and BWSSB,” said Rajashekhar Reddy, a regular walker at the lake and a resident of Nallurahalli.

Nallurahalli Nagesh, a Congress leader, criticized the lack of attention given to water bodies in the Mahadevapura zone. “The present and previous MLAs have not done any development and opposition leaders in the area are keeping mum. That is the reason officials do not respond to citizens when such complaints are raised,” he said. BBMP Assistant Engineer (Lakes Division) Sapna NK stated that workers have been deployed to clear the dead fish, dispose of them scientifically, and clean the sludge. “Efforts are on to improve the DO level in the water. The long-term solution will be to install a 1.25-meter diameter, 700-meter-long pipe along the lake at the inlet from the Nallurahalli side. Once the proposal is passed, a work order will be issued and will be taken up on priority,” she assured.

The situation highlights ongoing issues with lake management and sewage treatment in the area, prompting calls for immediate and effective intervention.

Source: The New Indian Express

In a devastating blow to shrimp farmers in Nagapattinam district, white spot disease has wreaked havoc on over 100 acres of shrimp farming in the past month, resulting in estimated losses amounting to crores of rupees. The outbreak, attributed to the viral disease, has left aquaculture enthusiasts in distress as they grapple with significant financial setbacks.

According to officials from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), approximately 40 hectares of shrimp farming areas in the district have been adversely affected by the spread of the disease. Reports indicate that shrimp farmers along the coastline between Nagore and Kodiyakarai have been witnessing troupes of shrimps succumbing to the viral onslaught, posing a dire challenge to their livelihoods.

Chandirabose, a shrimp farmer with a five-acre farm in Therkku Poigainallur, shared the grim reality of the situation, stating that a substantial portion of his shrimp stock, aged around one month, had perished due to the disease. He lamented a loss exceeding Rs 5 lakh, highlighting the severity of the crisis. Despite expectations of a harvest yield of around 15 tons, Chandirabose reported that only a fraction of healthy shrimp, totaling 200 kilos, could be salvaged, underscoring the magnitude of the impact on production.

Officials from the fisheries department revealed that the disease primarily spreads through fluids, with the potential for transmission by birds carrying infected shrimp from one farm to another. As a preventive measure, experts have advised farmers to chlorinate farm ponds to contain the spread of the disease. Additionally, affected farmers have been urged to consider insuring their farms to mitigate financial losses incurred as a result of the outbreak.

Inland aquaculture, overseen by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, has been under scrutiny by the MPEDA, which has been actively assessing the extent of the disease’s impact over the past month. The grim situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by shrimp farmers in Nagapattinam, as they navigate through this crisis and strive for the revival of their livelihoods.

In the realm of aquaculture, shrimp farming stands as a vital economic activity in Andhra Pradesh, contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural landscape and livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the industry is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the prevalence of diseases that afflict shrimp populations. A comprehensive study conducted across coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh sheds light on the multifaceted nature of these diseases, their impact on shrimp farming, and potential mitigation strategies.

The Significance of Shrimp Farming in Andhra Pradesh

Nestled along the expansive coastline of the Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh boasts favourable conditions for aquaculture, with shrimp farming emerging as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural sector. The cultivation of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) has gained prominence due to its high market demand, favourable growth conditions, and economic profitability.

Disease Landscape: A Closer Look at the Challenges

Despite the promising prospects of shrimp farming, the industry grapples with various diseases that pose significant threats to production and profitability. The study conducted in coastal districts identified several key diseases prevalent in L. vannamei culture, each presenting unique challenges to farmers:

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV): Among the most devastating diseases affecting shrimp farming, WSSV is a highly contagious viral infection that causes severe mortality in infected populations. The virus manifests as white spots on the exoskeleton of affected shrimp, leading to rapid deterioration in health and eventual death.

White Faecal Syndrome (WFS): Characterized by the presence of white feces in shrimp, WFS is linked to protozoan infections, particularly gregarines. The disease typically emerges within 20 days of stocking post-larvae (PLs) into culture ponds and is associated with high levels of vibrio spp., impacting shrimp health and growth.

Black Gill Disease (BGD): Prevalent in districts such as Guntur and Krishna, BGD is attributed to soil characteristics and poor pond management practices. Shrimp affected by BGD exhibit symptoms such as blackened gills, a result of abiotic factors such as organic load, pollutants, and low dissolved oxygen levels.

Loose Shell Syndrome (LSS): Affecting shrimp across all districts, LSS is characterized by soft and thin exoskeletons, lethargic movement, and poor feed intake. The disease, observed in ponds with white faeces and subpar management practices, leads to progressive mortality and compromised shrimp health.

Running Mortality Syndrome (RMS): Particularly prevalent in Nellore, Guntur, and Krishna districts, RMS is marked by continuous mortality in shrimp populations, with no apparent symptoms of other diseases. Shrimp affected by RMS exhibit antennae cut and reddish-yellow hepatopancreas, ultimately leading to internal mortality.

Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei (EHP): A microsporidian parasite associated with slow growth and white feces syndrome, EHP is predominantly observed in Nellore and Krishna districts. The parasite’s presence underscores the importance of disease surveillance and management practices in shrimp farming.

Impact on Shrimp Farming: A Sector Under Strain

The prevalence of these diseases poses significant challenges to the sustainability and profitability of shrimp farming in Andhra Pradesh. Disease outbreaks lead to substantial economic losses for farmers, stemming from decreased productivity, increased mortality rates, and additional expenses associated with disease management and treatment.

According to the study findings, a considerable percentage of culture ponds across the selected districts are affected by various diseases, ranging from 40% to 70%. These statistics underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address disease challenges and safeguard the future of shrimp farming in the region.

Mitigation Strategies: Towards Sustainable Solutions

In response to the daunting challenges posed by shrimp diseases, stakeholders in Andhra Pradesh are actively exploring and implementing various mitigation strategies. Biosecurity measures, including pond disinfection, strict water quality management, and screening of PLs for disease resistance, play a crucial role in preventing disease transmission and reducing the impact of outbreaks.

Furthermore, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as probiotics, immunostimulants, and genetic selection, holds promise for enhancing disease resistance in shrimp populations. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders are instrumental in developing and disseminating best practices for disease management and prevention

 Navigating Towards Resilience

The prevalence of diseases in shrimp farming presents formidable challenges for Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector. However, with concerted efforts and innovative solutions, the industry can overcome these obstacles and chart a path towards resilience and sustainability. By prioritizing disease surveillance, implementing robust biosecurity measures, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Andhra Pradesh can reinforce its position as a global leader in shrimp farming while ensuring the prosperity of coastal communities and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

To tackle the persistent threat of bacterial diseases in shrimp hatcheries, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has introduced an innovative solution. Their latest breakthrough, a bacteriophage-based product, marks a significant advancement in biocontrol within shrimp hatchery environments, promising to deliver premium-quality shrimp seeds free from antibiotic residues.

Harnessing the potential of bacteriophages – viruses that target specific disease-causing bacteria – CIBA researchers have developed an ingenious ‘phage prophylaxis and therapy’. Unlike conventional antibiotics, this pioneering therapy leaves no residual effects and exhibits remarkable precision in targeting bacteria while preserving other microorganisms unharmed.

For years, bacterial diseases like vibriosis have inflicted substantial economic losses on aquaculture hatcheries globally. Dr. S V Alavandi, Principal Scientist and Head of Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division at CIBA, underscores the significance of this new product in combating such diseases, particularly in shrimp hatcheries.

The efficacy of the product, formulated using a diverse range of lytic bacteriophages sourced from India’s aquaculture and coastal ecosystems, has been rigorously validated through field trials. Dr. K K Vijayan, Director of CIBA, emphasizes the innovative nature of the technology, featuring a potent ‘cocktail of phages’ capable of neutralizing a wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria.

In a strategic move to facilitate widespread adoption, CIBA has entered into a partnership with Salem Microbes Private Limited. This collaboration enables the transfer of technology to Salem Microbes, facilitating large-scale production and broad dissemination.

Dr. Vijayan underscores the pivotal role of industrial partnerships in disseminating technology to the shrimp farming community. He emphasizes the imperative for closer collaboration between research institutions and industry players to drive innovation and sustainable development in brackishwater aquaculture.

Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. Ramesh Kumar Dhanakoti, CEO of Salem Microbes, highlights his company’s commitment to leveraging microbial solutions for enhanced farming productivity and environmental sustainability.

Dr. P K Patil, Principal Scientist at CIBA’s Technology Management Unit, plays a crucial role in facilitating the seamless transfer of technology and patent filings, ensuring this groundbreaking innovation transitions seamlessly from the laboratory to the market.

California’s Calysta, a leading biotechnology firm, has received approval from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) to utilize its FeedKind® protein in fish and shrimp feeds. This milestone follows a rigorous evaluation process and enables Calysta to officially integrate its innovative single-cell protein into aquaculture feeds within China. The approval extends to protein produced by Calysseo, a joint venture between Calysta and Adisseo, aimed at supplying FeedKind for the Asian aquaculture market, and signifies a significant breakthrough in sustainable feed solutions.

Sun Bin, Chairman of Calysseo, emphasized the importance of this approval in advancing food production systems towards sustainability and enhancing global food security. He highlighted the value of providing feed producers with a domestically sourced, dependable feed ingredient immune to weather-related supply fluctuations, thus contributing to a more resilient food supply chain.

Calysseo’s inaugural production facility, situated in Chongqing, is currently engaged in manufacturing sustainable FeedKind protein tailored for the aquaculture sector. This facility offers producers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plant or animal-derived feed sources, addressing sustainability concerns in aquafeed diets. Utilizing a naturally occurring microbe to convert methane into a nutritious feed ingredient, FeedKind has undergone extensive trials across various aquaculture species, including shrimp, sea bass, and salmon, validating its efficacy and nutritional benefits.

Alan Shaw, Co-founder and CEO of Calysta, hailed the MARA approval as the final step in introducing a truly sustainable and high-quality protein source to the Asian aquaculture market. He underscored the superior nutritional profile and year-round production capability of FeedKind, highlighting its independence from arable land and reliance on plant or animal ingredients. Shaw expressed confidence that FeedKind represents a protein solution without limitations, poised to revolutionize the aquaculture industry with its sustainable and innovative approac

A pioneering study on Haemocyte cells has been conducted as part of the EU-funded ShrimpLLH project in order to safeguard shrimp populations from infectious diseases. Haemocytes, tiny cells integral to the immune system of invertebrates like shrimp, play a crucial role in defending these crustaceans against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Led by virologist Hans Nauwynck from Ghent University, the project focused on a specific haemocyte subpopulation, the lymphocyte-like haemocyte, to determine its ability to combat viral infections. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, researchers delved into the intricacies of these cells, aiming to uncover their potential in killing viral-infected cells.

One of the early achievements of the project was the creation of an innovative medium for culturing shrimp cells, a crucial tool for their investigations. The research team successfully demonstrated that haemocytes produce granzymes and a perforin-like protein, essential components in attacking targeted cells. Granzymes utilize apoptosis to kill cells, while perforin drills holes in the cell membrane, enabling granzymes to enter and attack.

The team found that lymphocyte-like haemocytes bind to foreign cells and effectively kill them. The ongoing research investigates whether this killing process involves a cooperation of granzymes B and/or G and a torso-like protein, and whether viral-infected cells are specifically targeted.

If successful, this groundbreaking research could mark the first time a haemocyte-mediated breakdown of a viral-infected cell is demonstrated in invertebrates. Hans Nauwynck envisions the potential application of this knowledge in screening molecules and activating virus-killing processes, paving the way for potential drug treatments to combat diseases in shrimp populations.

Nauwynck emphasizes the importance of financing fundamental research in shrimp populations, highlighting that such research is key to controlling diseases, ensuring a robust and healthy shrimp farming industry, and ultimately providing an ample supply of these delectable crustaceans for consumers worldwide.

Photo: Dr. Carlos Ching

Kochi: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has unveiled a groundbreaking prophylactic medicine formulation designed for administration in fish farms through pellet feed. The development comes as a response to the imminent threat of diseases in brackish water aquaculture systems, particularly among fishes reared in cages during the monsoon season.

With the advent of the monsoon, the influx of rainwater poses challenges to brackish water aquaculture, causing a drastic reduction in salinity and hardness levels. This environmental change can lead to heightened stress among the fishes, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases and eventual mortality. To counteract this potential crisis, Cusat has introduced a preventive medication that aims to safeguard the entire fish crop.

Fish farmers keen on availing this innovative medication can contact the director of the National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health (NCAAH) at Cusat’s marine science campus. NCAAH operates a consultancy cell that provides farmers with various analytical services for aquaculture operations and environmental analysis at a nominal cost.

Among its services, the centre analyses water and sediment samples from aquaculture farms, offering insights into curative measures for sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, NCAAH assists farmers in selecting healthy larvae for shrimp aquaculture, contributing to the overall health and resilience of aquaculture operations.

This pioneering initiative by Cusat reflects a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions during the monsoon, reinforcing the university’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices in aquaculture.

Port Blair: The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) in Port Blair successfully conducted a training program on ‘Aquatic Animal Diseases and Health Management in Aquaculture’ at Subashgram, Diglipur, recently. The initiative, organized under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) Project, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of officials from the Department of Fisheries and progressive farmers.

Mr. P.R. Singaram, Pradhan of Subashgram Panchayat, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and commended ICAR-CIARI for its efforts in organizing programs that benefit fisheries department officials and farmers in Diglipur. He encouraged participants to make the most of the training for their benefit. The program covered various aspects, including fish diseases and health management, the role of Fisheries Department officials in disease surveillance, disease diagnosis at the field level, disease management, surveillance and reporting systems, fish nutrition, feed management measures, and better management practices in aquaculture.

The interactive session and field visit allowed participants to address their queries, with Dr. K. Saravanan, Scientist (Fish Health) & PI of the NSPAAD project, providing insights. A total of 16 participants, including fisheries department officials and progressive farmers, attended the training program and gained valuable knowledge.

The organizing team, consisting of Dr. K. Saravanan, Dr. J. Praveenraj, and Dr. R. Kiruba Sankar, conducted the program under the supervision of Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Head of the Division of Fisheries Science, and received overall guidance from Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.