Vietnam’s aquaculture sector is seeing a positive trend with 32 disease-free shrimp production facilities operating across the country, according to the Department of Animal Health. This includes 27 shrimp seed production facilities boasting an output of 38 billion postlarvae per year.

Decrease in Damaged Shrimp Farming Area

In 2023, Vietnam’s damaged brackish water shrimp farming area decreased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, totaling 22,607 hectares nationwide. Shrimp raised through extensive methods suffered the most damage, particularly due to environmental and weather changes affecting regions like Ca Mau.

Despite ongoing challenges, the country has witnessed a decline in aquaculture areas affected by epidemics, notably in brackish water shrimp areas, which reduced by 29.5% in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease

A major concern for shrimp farmers remains the threat of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). This disease affected a significant area in 2023, spreading across multiple provinces. In the first quarter of 2024, while the area impacted by AHPND increased slightly, the overall infected area decreased by 46.5% compared to the same period in 2023.

In response to these challenges, the Department of Animal Health has been actively guiding localities to establish disease-free facilities.

Support and Development

The Department of Animal Health is providing direct support to shrimp farming facilities, assisting in the construction of disease-free facilities that adhere to Vietnamese and OIE/WOAH regulations. This includes technical assistance in developing biosecurity and disease surveillance plans.

Efforts are being intensified to expand disease-safe facilities, especially in shrimp seed production. Currently, 25% of Ninh Thuan’s shrimp seed output is sourced from certified disease-free facilities, meeting market demands effectively.

Future Plans

Looking ahead to 2024, the Department of Animal Health will continue to collaborate with businesses to promote the establishment of disease-safe facilities and enhance disease surveillance capabilities across the aquaculture industry.