White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana crawfish. Following are best management practices to use to minimize the impact of the virus. These BMPs have been developed by the LSU AgCenter.
White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) has been confirmed in crawfish in a number of crawfish ponds in south Louisiana and in the Atchafalaya Basin. This is the first time this disease has been found in Louisiana crawfish. WSSV is a virus that only affects crustaceans. It does not affect people or other animals.
"Other Management Considerations" discusses a number of pond management activities including pond flood-up; population management; supplemental feeding of crawfish; managing for larger crawfish; impacts and control of predators and nuisance wildlife, including raccoons, otters, muskrats, nutria and beaver, Norway rats, and birds. Considerations in developing your crawfish business are also discussed. This document is Chapter 9 in the Louisiana Crawfish Production Manual.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture