The intensiveness of shrimp farming is constrained because increasing stocking density often compromises animal growth and increases the risk of infectious disease transmission. For instance, a single episode of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus can potentially wipe out the entire shrimp batch within a short time frame and incur severe financial losses. There is indeed an urgency to seek a sustainable solution to break through this bottleneck in shrimp farming.
In contrast to conventional antibiotics applications, probiotics might represent a safer and more sustainable alternative in disease control among cultured shrimp species. It is hypothesised that the beneficial bacteria in the natural habitat of shrimps confers a protective effect on the animals against opportunistic pathogens. Our research aims to study the suitability and benefits of introducing mangrove-derived bacteria as probiotics in shrimp farming.
Conclusion: Streptomyces was found effective in enhancing disease resistance against V. parahaemolyticus infections, enhancing the survival rate of shrimps and in ameliorating the water quality.