Portable diagnostic tool detects White Spot Syndrome Virus in shrimp within 24 hours

Responsible Seafood Advocate

Portable diagnostic tool detects White Spot Syndrome Virus in shrimp 24 hours post-infection

White Spot Syndrome Virus
A portable diagnostic tool can detect White Spot Syndrome Virus in shrimp 24 hours post-infection, offering a cost-effective, lab-free solution. Photo by Viet Chi Go.

Seek Labs says its SeekIt WSSV Field Kit has been validated in two studies as an accurate, cost-effective tool for detecting White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in shrimp as early as 24 hours after infection, without specialized lab equipment.

The studies, conducted with Florida Atlantic University’s Aquatic Animal Health Lab (AAHL) and ShrimpVet Laboratory, confirm the kit’s reliability as an alternative to commercial kits that require laboratory equipment and specialized training.

In a study at AAHL, researchers tested shrimp for WSSV at different time intervals (12, 24 and 36 hours) using the SeekIt WSSV Field Kit and a standard laboratory method that relies on commercial kits and qPCR. The SeekIt Field Kit could detect the virus as early as 24 hours after infection, matching the accuracy of the lab method.

Similarly, in a separate study at ShrimpVet Laboratory, the SeekIt Field Kit detected WSSV after 24 hours, demonstrating its effectiveness without the need for specialized lab equipment or conditions.

Both studies confirm that the SeekIt Field Kit detects WSSV early in the infection process. AAHL noted its effectiveness for rapid, on-site detection, eliminating the need for expensive lab equipment. The kit’s ease of use makes it a cost-effective solution for managing WSSV outbreaks, enabling aquaculture operators to quickly identify the virus and take action to prevent its spread.

White Spot Syndrome Virus is a highly contagious pathogen that threatens shrimp farming globally. The virus spreads quickly through aquaculture systems, often leading to mass mortality among shrimp populations and significant economic losses for farmers. Early detection is critical to preventing widespread outbreaks, allowing operators to take immediate action to contain the virus and protect farm health.

Currently, no field diagnostic test can detect WSSV earlier than 48 hours post-infection, and existing laboratory-based methods, such as qPCR, require specialized equipment and training.

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