Taura syndrome
How to spot Taura syndrome, what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread.
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Contents
- How to spot Taura syndrome
- How Taura syndrome is spread
- Preventing and controlling Taura syndrome
- Further information on Taura syndrome
- Legislation relating to Taura syndrome
- Who to contact if you suspect Taura syndrome
Taura syndrome is a serious viral disease affecting giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), northern white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris), and whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Outbreaks of the disease can cause up to 100% mortality in stocks.
More information on susceptible and vector species can be found here: GB Lists of susceptible and vector species.
Great Britain is free from Taura syndrome, and it is a ‘listed’ (also referred to as ‘notifiable’) disease which you are legally obligated to report immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas. Fish Health Inspectorate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
There has never been a recorded outbreak of Taura syndrome in the UK.
It does not affect humans.
How to spot Taura syndrome
Increased mortalities, especially in small juvenile shrimp.
Signs of the disease can include:
- shrimp moving towards the pond edge or surface
- pale reddish colouration
- tail fan red in colour
- soft shells
- an empty gut
How Taura syndrome is spread
Taura syndrome virus is spread through movements of and contact with infected shrimp, contaminated water or equipment.
Preventing and controlling Taura syndrome
There is no treatment for Taura syndrome.
Prevention is the best approach to disease control. You can protect your crustacea from serious diseases by being aware of the signs of Taura syndrome and other serious diseases and checking stock health regularly. Implement good husbandry and biosecurity practices.
Further information on biosecurity measures plans, guidance and templates can be found here: Biosecurity Measure Plans - Information and Templates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You must be sure any crustaceans introduced are Taura syndrome virus free. Do not buy crustacea of unknown origin. Follow the rules on moving aquatic animals: Aquatic animal health and movements guides - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You must report it to the FHI immediately if you notice or become aware of crustaceans showing any of the signs of Taura syndrome. The FHI will investigate and apply disease control measures if required.
Further information on Taura syndrome
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Aquatic Manual chapter Taura Syndrome Virus.
Legislation relating to Taura syndrome
The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009
The listed diseases are in Regulation 1251/2008 as amended by the Animals, Aquatic Animal Health, Invasive Alien Species, Plant Propagating Material and Seeds (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, at Chapter 2, Annex 1A and Schedule 1 of The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
Who to contact if you suspect Taura syndrome
If you suspect or know of a listed disease of fish or shellfish in England and Wales, you must report it immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas. You must also inform the FHI immediately if you know or suspect that increased mortality has occurred.
Under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 it is a legal obligation to report suspicion of Taura syndrome in any farmed or wild shellfish to the FHI. It is an offence under the Regulations to fail to inform the FHI of suspicion of Taura syndrome.
- Email: fhi@cefas.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01305 206700 - Monday to Thursday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- For emergencies out of hours telephone: 01305 206630
Fish Health Inspectorate
Barrack Road, The Nothe
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UB