Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), more technically known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPNS), is disrupting production in the three major shrimp producing countries: China, Thailand and Vietnam. The EMS/AHPNS pathogen is a unique strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, infected by a phage, which causes it to release a potent toxin. EMS, being caused by a bacteria that is difficult to eradicate, requires a very different approach than WSSV for maintaining bio-security in shrimp production.
Functional feeds containing gut health promotors deliver an adequate concentration of natural antimicrobial activities into the shrimp gut with every meal and could be an important component of any strategy to prevent bacterial diseases such as EMS. However, their success will depend on the efficacy of the selected gut health promotor against the pathogenic bacteria involved.
Vibrio species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, appear to be highly sensitive to a natural feed additive composed of a synergistic blend of antimicrobial compounds. Recent research is shows that as well as direct bactericide/bacteriostatic effects, selected combinations of antimicrobial compounds are at the basis of more complex mechanisms to steer microbiota composition, i.e. Quorum Sensing (QS) disruption. QS disruptors are increasingly investigated as alternatives to antibiotics due to their efficacy at low concentrations and the low chance of bacteria developing resistance against these non-lethal molecules. Research has shown that synergistic blends of natural antimicrobial compounds can function as powerful interrupters of bacterial QS signaling in a typical aquaculture pathogen such as Vibrio harveyi at concentrations well below minimal inhibitory concentrations.
Dr. Peter Coutteau, Business Unit Manager – Aquaculture, Nutriad International NV, Belgium, will discuss how functional feed additives can reduce the impact from bacterial diseases on shrimp production at the 7th Aquafeed Horizons Asia, Bangkok, taking place April 8, 2014, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Pre-registration is required to secure a place at this conference - registration cut-off: April 1, 2014.
More information and details at www.feedconferences.com
Register now.
Special rates are available for groups, for registration with FIAAP Conference, for students and Thai delegates.
