DuPont Introduces New Line of Shrimp Pathogen Diagnostic Tests

DuPont Introduces New Line of Shrimp Pathogen Diagnostic Tests An Easy-To-Use Solution That Brings the Sensitivity of Lab PCR Methods to the Grow-out Pond

DuPont Animal Health Solutions (DAHS) announced a new product line that will bring shrimp-pathogen detection straight to the farm. The DuPontTM Virkon Aquatic Biosecurity Monitoring System provides an integrated, easy-to-use solution for pond-site shrimp pathogen diagnostic testing that detects viruses impacting shrimp health and farm productivity. Early stage detection with high sensitivity combined with an easy-to-use format in the hand of the farmer allows for rapid feedback and for pond-site decision making.

"DuPontTM Virkon Aquatic Biosecurity Monitoring System presents shrimp farmers with a faster and improved solution for early White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) detection in their ponds," said Paolo Barbieri, Global Business Director, Clean & Disinfect. "With this offering in place, DuPont can help shrimp farmers monitor and improve biosecurity measures, making it a valuable addition in the Virkon Aquatic product line."

The DuPontTM Virkon Aquatic Biosecurity Monitoring System provides farmers and producers a next generation diagnostic tool for on-site disease diagnostic, biosecurity monitoring and productivity improvements. The Virkon Aquatic White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) test kit is part of the DuPontTM Virkon Aquatic Biosecurity Monitoring System product line designed for pathogens important to the shrimp aquaculture industry.

This affordable and cost-effective product ensures shrimp farmers control of the grow-out operation. It also delivers the fastest test results among PCR methods and its test sensitivity is superior to other field methods such as immunoassays. The test performance is also superior to typical lab methods such as one-step Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) currently used in the industry. The Virkon Aquatic test detects viruses at an early development stage which allows for meaningful intervention, offering farmers a faster response to improve and proactively guide grow-out management. Depending on sample size, test results are obtained within two hours versus days using traditional methods.

"Thailand is the first country to launch this test kit. It was developed by DuPont in close contact with its customers to meet the needs of the shrimp industry globally," said Dr. Somchai Laohverapanich, Managing Director of DuPont Thailand. "Since Thailand is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of shrimp products, we see that this new product line will benefit the economic health and overall sustainability of the shrimp manufacturing value chain".

The Virkon Aquatic WSSV test kit includes the following components:

DAHS, global leaders in biosecurity, are working with the shrimp industry, providing products and expertise to address the challenges caused by disease to increase profitable and sustainable production. Biosecurity can be an effective form of protection, especially in farms using modern production techniques. The aim of standard continuous biosecurity programs is first to control pathogens from establishing themselves on site and secondly, to reduce the spread of infection within the farm site.

Du Pont (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of E.I. du Pont de Nemours, was established in Thailand in January 1971 to respond to demands of the fast growing Asia Pacific market. Over the years, DuPont Thailand has expanded its scope of business to cover an array of products and services that are vital to such industries as food and nutrition, agriculture, medical and health, automotive, electronics, construction and safety. Today, DuPont Thailand has 6 offices and operating plants with approximately 300 employees.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.