In a recent biosecurity forum, Dr. Joebert Toledo, Chief of the Aquaculture Department (AQD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), has offered to provide shrimp farmers free diagnostic services as soon as they begin suspecting or experiencing a disease outbreak. The forum entitled "Biosecurity aspects on common shrimp viral diseases" was attended by 27 shrimp farm operators, local government units (LGUs), and aquaculture companies. It was held in SEAFDEC's Dumangas Brackishwater Station (DBS) in Dumangas, Iloilo on May 31. The towns represented include Zarraga, Leganes, and Dumangas. This was SEAFDEC's way of extending help to shrimp farmers in order to prevent losses from viral diseases. SEAFDEC conducts nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) tests which can detect white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) among others. WSSV is the present scourge of the tiger shrimp industry.

SEAFDEC/AQD urges biosecurity for shrimp farms. (2007, June 18). The News Today, p. 4.