Question

Yellow head virus (YHV) predominantly infects which of the following?

• A. Catla
• B. Freshwater prawn
• C. Tiger prawn
• D. Whiteleg shrimp

Hint:

Viral Diseases of Shrimp:
1. WSSV: White Spot (Multiple hosts).
2. YHV: Yellow Head (Classical in P. monodon).
3. IHHNV: Stunting/Runt Deformity.
4. TSV: Taura Syndrome (Classical in L. vannamei).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary host species susceptible to the Yellow Head Virus (YHV), a major pathogen in crustacean aquaculture.
Detailed Explanation:

• YHV Characteristics: Yellow Head Virus is an RNA virus belonging to the family Roniviridae. It causes high mortality in shrimp ponds, often characterized by the yellowing of the cephalothorax (head) and bleaching of the body.

• Host Range: While several penaeid shrimps can be infected experimentally, the virus was first discovered and caused the most devastating impacts in the Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). It can cause up to 100% mortality within a few days of the onset of symptoms.

• Other Species: Litopenaeus vannamei (Whiteleg shrimp) can be a carrier or show symptoms, but the classical "Yellow Head Disease" is historically and predominantly associated with P. monodon intensive farming. Freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and finfish like Catla are not the primary targets of this virus.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Yellow Head Virus predominantly infects the Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon).