Taura Syndrome Virus in shrimp aquaculture: A comprehensive review of biology, epidemiology, and control strategies

Abstract

A prominent virus in the shrimp aquaculture sector, Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV) mainly affects Penaeus vannamei and causes large financial losses in a number of international production regions. The positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome of this virus, which is a member of the Dicistroviridae family, allows for effective replication and quick horizontal dissemination. A wide range of symptoms, including altered tail color, reduced eating activity, growth retardation, and abrupt mortality during the outbreak phase, are indicative of TSV infection. Without the assistance of laboratory techniques, non-specific illness symptoms can make early identification at the field level more difficult. Environmental circumstances, culture density, seed quality, and inadequate biosecurity procedures are some of the factors that affect TSV transmission. This virus causes gradual cellular destruction through necrosis and systemic physiological failure, with a pathobiological preference for ectodermal and mesodermal tissues. Despite not being zoonotic, TSV is a crucial problem for global food security and fisheries economics due to its effects on decreased aquaculture output and supply chain stability. Since specific treatments are still unavailable, current TSV control still depends on preventive measures such the adoption of pathogen-free seed, environmental management, and stringent biosecurity procedures. Therefore, maintaining the viability of contemporary aquaculture systems requires a thorough understanding of the biological traits, epidemiology, and management techniques of TSV.