Baculoviral Midgut Gland Necrosis Virus

ALSO KNOWN AS: BMNV

Baculoviral Midgut Gland Necrosis Virus (BMNV) is a baculovirus that affects penaeid shrimp, primarily Penaeus monodon. The virus targets the midgut gland (hepatopancreas) and causes necrosis of epithelial cells. Infected shrimp may show signs such as reduced feeding, poor growth, and lethargy. The disease can contribute to significant economic losses in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in hatcheries and early grow-out phases.

Distribution: Reported in shrimp farming regions across Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Detection Methods: Histopathology, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR).

Hosts: Primarily penaeid shrimp species, especially Penaeus monodon.

Target Tissue: Midgut gland (hepatopancreas)