Question

White spot disease syndrome has caused a great set back to the following shellfish predominantly

• A. Indian white shrimp
• B. Crab
• C. Freshwater prawn
• D. Tiger shrimp

Hint:

WSSV is a large, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the family Nimaviridae. Infected shrimps display white calcium spots on their carapace and a reddish body discoloration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a highly contagious, lethal pathogen that causes severe disease outbreaks in cultured penaeid shrimps, leading to massive economic loss.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Tiger shrimp), was the primary shellfish species farmed along the Indian coast.
The rapid emergence of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) caused widespread mortality (up to \(100\%\) within 3--10 days) across shrimp farms.
This devastating setback forced the Indian aquaculture sector to gradually transition from tiger shrimp to the SPF whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The disease predominantly devastated the Tiger shrimp industry, corresponding to option (D).