Vibrio is a genus of fast-growing bacteria. Vibrio spp. occur naturally in aquatic environments
and are one of the most commonly occurring bacteria during shrimp farming (Vandenberghe, et al, 2003).
For many years, the aquaculture community considered Vibrio spp. to simply be natural biota in both wild and farmed shrimp. However, it has become one of the primary disease-causing pathogens in shrimp aquaculture. The diseases caused by Vibrio are referred to as “vibriosis.” They have become widespread due to shrimp farming intensification.
There are several types of Vibrio spp. that occur commonly in shrimp farming, and some are more harmful than others. High levels of green and luminous Vibrio associated with mortality, whereas yellow Vibrio is less harmful.
Vibrio bacteria is associated with several diseases that result in wide-spread losses to the shrimp culture industry, including Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) and White Feces Disease (WFD). For the past several years, the strategy used to combat Vibrio has been to disinfect pond bottoms and water. This pond management strategy has not been successful. It is now believed that total disinfection of pond bottoms and water may be contributing to the epidemic of EMS and WFD (De Schryver, et al 2014).