Health status of cultured shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in Cox's Bazar region

Abstract

A study was carried out for a period 8 months from March 2018 to October 2018 to
observe the health status of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in three Upazilas viz., Cox’s Bazar Sadar,
Teknaf and Maheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar district through clinical and histological procedures.
Data were collected through personal contact, questionnaire interview and discussion with key
informants. Clinically, shrimp from Beximco shrimp farm and Aquaculture Farm Limited at
Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, Unique Aquaculture at Teknaf Upazila were found to be healthy
during summer. During rainy season, shrimps of Teknaf Upazila were affected with early
mortality syndrome (EMS) like clinical signs within 30 days of stocking where major signs were
lethargy, darkened shells and moulting of the carapace were present. White spot syndrome (WSS)
affected shrimp were collected from Teknaf Upazila having loose cuticle and the presence of
white spots inside the carapace and appendages. From histological observation the structure of
shrimp muscle and hepatopancreas from Aquaculture Farm Limited, Beximco shrimp farm of
Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila and Unique Aquaculture of Teknaf Upazila were almost normal.
During rainy season there were some remarkable pathological changes like parasitic cyst,
vacuum, pyknotic cell, acanthocephalan parasite, hemorrhage and necrosis. Cultured shrimps in
rainy season were affected more than those of summer season. However, shrimp of summer
season had reduced pathological changes in hepatopancreas than those of rainy season. From
clinical, histological and pathological point of view healthy shrimp were noticed in summer and
moderately infected in rainy season. It could be mentioned that production and health status of
shrimp were increased in summer season of Cox’s Bazar area compared with other areas and
season (rainy). Thus necessary measures need to be taken especially during rainy season.