Studies on Passive Protection of Shrimps against WSSV using Chicken Egg Yolk Antibodies (IgY)

Abstract

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), is one of the most virulent pathogens, causing high mortality and dramatic economic losses in cultured shrimp worldwide. In India, commercial shrimp farming started gaining roots only during the mid-eighties particularly in Kerala and West Bengal, for several decades. Up to date no effective measure is available to prevent the spreading of WSSV. Therefore, it is urgent to find an effective method to control this pathogen. Chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) provides an inexpensive and effective source of antibodies for the passive immunization of animals suffering from WSSV. In the present study, infected animals were collected from coastal areas and WSSV antigen was prepared and immunized in white leghorn chickens to generate egg yolk antibodies. In conclusion; the specific IgY preparation in this study can provide a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of WSSV infection, which will have an industrial prospect.