The university of florida will develop and validate a multiplex assay using nanopore sequencing to detect the six most economically significant shrimp pathogens that impact U.S. Shrimp production…

The University of Florida received a $499,367 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. The project aims to develop and validate a multiplex assay utilizing nanopore sequencing technology to detect six economically significant shrimp pathogens that impact U.S. shrimp production and international trade. These pathogens include infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), yellowhead virus (YHV), Vibrio parahaemolycus causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP).

The University of Arizona, as a sub-awardee, will conduct experimental challenge bioassays using specific pathogen-free shrimp to generate infected tissue samples representing low, medium, and high pathogen loads for each of the six pathogens. The sub-awardee will also perform histopathology analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to confirm infections and quantify pathogen levels, then prepare blind panel samples containing multiple pathogens simultaneously for assay validation. The cooperative agreement will deliver validated diagnostic assays that provide critical tools for early disease detection, supporting food safety and protecting shrimp farmers against economically devastating diseases while facilitating international agricultural trade.

The university of florida will develop and validate a multiplex assay using nanopore sequencing to detect the six most economically significant shrimp pathogens that impact U.S. Shrimp production and trade. Innovative new diagnostic tests provide a critical tool for early disease detection and are needed to support international trade. The project will ensure a safe food supply and protect shrimp farmers against economically devastating diseases that impact productivity and disrupt trade.