BRISBANE, Australia — For shrimp farmers in Southeast Asia, a single outbreak of disease can wipe out an entire harvest, representing a devastating financial loss. But a Brisbane-based startup, Genics, is offering a new line of defense against these threats, providing rapid pathogen detection that’s proving crucial in a region where shrimp farming is a major economic driver. The company’s technology, developed around seven years ago, allows farmers to identify dangerous viruses and bacteria weeks before traditional testing methods would reveal their presence, giving them critical time to mitigate outbreaks.
Shrimp farming is a significant industry across Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aquaculture, including shrimp farming, is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. But, the industry is constantly battling diseases like White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), which can spread rapidly through farm populations.
Genics’ approach centers on a proprietary molecular diagnostic platform. Unlike conventional lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, which can take days to deliver results, Genics’ technology delivers answers within hours, and in some cases, even faster. This speed is achieved through a streamlined process that allows for on-site testing, eliminating the need to ship samples to distant laboratories. The company’s founder, Dr. Melony Sellars, a molecular biologist, recognized the urgent need for faster diagnostics while consulting with shrimp farmers in the region.
The Challenge of Shrimp Disease in Southeast Asia
The economic impact of shrimp diseases in Southeast Asia is substantial. Outbreaks can lead to significant production losses, impacting not only the farmers themselves but also the wider supply chain, including processors, exporters, and retailers. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program highlights the sustainability challenges associated with shrimp farming, including disease management. Traditional disease control methods often rely on preventative measures like stocking density management and biosecurity protocols, but these are often insufficient to prevent outbreaks entirely.
“The biggest problem is that by the time you *see* the disease, it’s already spread,” explains Dr. Sellars in a company statement. “Our technology allows farmers to detect the pathogen before clinical signs appear, giving them a window of opportunity to implement preventative strategies and minimize losses.” These strategies can include adjusting water quality, strengthening biosecurity measures, or even selectively harvesting at-risk ponds.
How Genics’ Technology Works
Genics’ technology utilizes a process called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). LAMP is a technique used to amplify DNA, similar to PCR, but it can be performed at a constant temperature, simplifying the process and making it suitable for field applications. The company has developed a range of LAMP-based assays specifically designed to detect the most prevalent shrimp pathogens in Southeast Asia.
The process involves collecting water samples from the shrimp ponds and running them through a Genics-supplied device. The device analyzes the sample for the presence of specific pathogen DNA. Results are displayed on a simple interface, providing a clear positive or negative indication. The portability and ease of use of the technology are key advantages for farmers who may lack access to sophisticated laboratory facilities.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Genics has been steadily expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, working with shrimp farms of varying sizes. The company doesn’t sell the devices directly. instead, it partners with local distributors and service providers to deliver its technology and support to farmers. This approach allows Genics to navigate the complexities of the regional market and provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of different farming operations.
The company’s impact is being felt by farmers like those in Thailand, a major shrimp producer. A case study published by Genics details how a farm in Thailand used the technology to detect WSSV early, preventing a widespread outbreak that could have resulted in millions of dollars in losses. The early detection allowed the farm to isolate the affected area and implement targeted interventions, containing the virus and protecting the rest of the population.
Beyond Detection: Data and Prevention
Genics is also exploring ways to leverage the data generated by its technology to improve disease prevention strategies. By tracking the prevalence of different pathogens over time and across different farms, the company hopes to identify patterns and predict potential outbreaks. This information could be used to develop more effective biosecurity protocols and optimize farm management practices.
The company is also working on expanding its range of assays to detect a wider variety of shrimp pathogens, as well as developing new technologies for rapid detection of other aquatic animal diseases. This ongoing research and development is crucial for staying ahead of evolving disease threats and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the shrimp farming industry.
Looking ahead, Genics plans to continue expanding its reach throughout Southeast Asia and explore opportunities in other aquaculture markets. The company’s technology represents a significant step forward in shrimp disease management, offering farmers a powerful tool to protect their livelihoods and ensure a stable supply of this important food source. The next major milestone for Genics will be the release of a new, more sensitive assay for EMS in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a company press release.
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