Dr. Laparra stated: “It is important for aquaculture producers to better understand risks associated with mycotoxins and how it can be managed.  We notice that recently aquafeeds contain increasing levels of vegetable ingredients that may contain mycotoxins capable of triggering diseases in aquatic animals.” Negative effects on shrimp metabolism and immune response, and the consequences in the main production parameters like survival and growth, were discussed. Attendants showed great interest in learning about strategies to neutralize the mycotoxins in aquafeeds that could help to restore hepatic cells and function.

MSc. Hernandez focused on  the actual disease problems that shrimp producers face around the world, including the new bacterial disease Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) caused by specific strains of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus. AHPND has disrupted production in Mexico and most Asian countries since 2012.  “Particularly in the case of bacterial diseases, it is important to implement prevention strategies with approaches to improve the gut health of the shrimp using natural solutions,” Hernandez said. “Natural products with antimicrobial and quorum sensing mechanisms, can combat Vibriosis and co-infections by opportunistic bacteria. This will reduce the impact of diseases on productivity and yield.  Proper gut health management is key to disease prevention in shrimp culture.”