The Shrimp Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) is the etiological agent of Infectious Myonecrosis, a viral disease of great relevance to shrimp farming, especially in the production of marine shrimp such as Litopenaeus vannamei. The disease is associated with significant economic losses due to reduced growth, increased mortality, and compromised quality of the final product.
IMNV is a double-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Totiviridae family. The infection predominantly affects the muscle tissue, causing visible necrotic areas—primarily in the abdominal and tail musculature—which give infected shrimp a whitish or opaque appearance. In many cases, the shrimp exhibit lethargic behavior, reduced appetite, and decreased feed efficiency.
Transmission of the virus occurs primarily horizontally, through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, cannibalism, contaminated water, and improper management. Dissemination can be exacerbated by the movement of post-larvae, juveniles, and contaminated equipment between ponds and farms, as well as failures in biosecurity practices.
Prevention and control of Infectious Myonecrosis are essentially based on rigorous biosecurity measures, as there is no specific treatment or vaccine available. Key strategies include using pathogen-free post-larvae, continuous health monitoring, proper disinfection of water and equipment, and stocking density control.
Laboratory diagnosis is fundamental for the early detection of IMNV and for sanitary decision-making. Molecular methods, such as real-time PCR, allow for the sensitive and specific identification of viral genetic material in muscle tissue samples, enabling the monitoring of viral circulation even in the early stages of infection.
Continuous epidemiological surveillance, combined with laboratory monitoring programs and good management practices, is essential to reduce the risk of IMNV introduction and dissemination. Thus, the control of Infectious Myonecrosis contributes to the sustainability of shrimp farming, the sanitary safety of production, and the maintenance of the aquaculture sector’s competitiveness.
In this context, Bioperfectus’ rapid test for Shrimp Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) serves as a strategic screening tool to support sanitary surveillance in shrimp farming. The use of the rapid test enables the agile identification of suspicious shrimp or batches directly in the field or during monitoring routines, assisting in the immediate adoption of measures such as pond segregation, animal movement restrictions, and the reinforcement of biosecurity practices. In this way, the rapid test complements confirmatory molecular methods, contributing to the early detection of IMNV, the reduction of viral spread, and the strengthening of prevention and control strategies for Infectious Myonecrosis.
