White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is one of the most devastating viral pathogens affecting shrimp, causing severe economic losses to the global farmed shrimp trade. The globalization of live shrimp trade and waterborne transmission have facilitated the rapid spread of WSSV across major shrimp-producing countries since its initial emergence. The present review gives an updated account of WSSV biology, pathology, transmission dynamics, and recent developments in control measures. The virus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Nimaviridae family, utilizes advanced immune evasion strategies, resulting in severe mortality. Shrimp lack adaptive immunity and hence rely predominantly on innate immunity, which is insufficient to mount an effective response against severe infections. Traditional disease control measures such as augmented biosecurity, selective breeding, and immunostimulants have, despite extensive research, achieved only limited success. New biotechnological tools such as RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas gene editing, and nanotechnology offer tremendous potential for disease mitigation. In parallel, the development of DNA and RNA vaccines targeting WSSV structural proteins, such as VP28, holds significant promise for stimulating the shrimp immune system. This review highlights the urgent need for a convergent approach to sustainable disease management in global shrimp aquaculture, with interdisciplinarity playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of WSSV control.

The rapid growth of pangasius and tilapia aquaculture has created export opportunities for Bangladesh; however, this industry is facing multiple barriers to becoming a competitive whitefish exporter in the international market. We analyzed a widely used conceptual framework and reviewed the available literature to unpack the barriers to pangasius and tilapia exports in mainstream global markets. Primary data were collected by interviewing 60 associated stakeholders to consolidate the research objectives. A meta-analysis of the literature and primary data revealed that pangasius and tilapia exporters face various internal (company and product barriers) and external (industry, market, and macroenvironment barriers) barriers. To overcome these barriers, the pangasius and tilapia industries need separate export-oriented policies and legislation to be developed by the competent authority, namely, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), which needs to provide common guidelines to meet international standards of aquaculture practices, food safety, quality, certification, and export markets. The DoF should ensure robust oversight through effective monitoring and surveillance mechanisms to implement the regulations and policies. Drawing insights from China and Vietnam’s experiences in responsible aquaculture practices, navigating export markets, and instituting aquaculture certification could provide invaluable lessons for Bangladesh. Using these lessons to overcome impediments could catalyze the flourishing of Bangladesh’s pangasius and tilapia sectors in the global whitefish market.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is one of the most devastating viral pathogens affecting shrimp, causing severe economic losses to the global farmed shrimp trade. The globalization of live shrimp trade and water-borne transmission have facilitated the rapid spread of WSSV across major shrimp-producing countries since its initial emergence. The present review gives an updated account of WSSV biology, pathology, transmission dynamics, and recent developments in control measures. The virus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Nimaviridae family, utilizes advanced immune evasion strategies, resulting in severe mortality. Shrimp lack adaptive immunity and hence rely predominantly on innate immunity, which is insufficient to mount an effective response against severe infections. Traditional disease control measures, such as augmented biosecurity, selective breeding, and immunostimulants, have, despite extensive research, achieved only limited success. New biotechnological tools, such as RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas gene editing, and nanotechnology, offer tremendous potential for disease mitigation. In parallel, the development of DNA and RNA vaccines targeting WSSV structural proteins, such as VP28, holds significant promise for stimulating the shrimp immune system. This review highlights the urgent need for a convergent approach to sustainable disease management in global shrimp aquaculture, with interdisciplinarity playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of WSSV control.