Current Disease Threats for Cultivated Crab Eriocheir sinensis in China

Abstract

The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a commercially important crustacean in China due to its great commercial value and compatibility in a variety of aquaculture systems. However, increases in its production have been accompanied by the emergence of various diseases affecting yield, profit, and trading potential. In this study, we review the pathogenic agents associated with E. sinensis since the start of its commercial culture. The history of crab cultivation implies that increased pathogen transfer can occur as E. sinensis aquaculture grows because polyculture of E. sinensis with other aquaculture species is a prevalent practice. With this in mind, a special focus of this review is placed on pathogens that were initially discovered in other crustacean species but have since been demonstrated to infect and cause disease in E. sinensis. We expect that this review will not only offer recommendations for disease management in the E. sinensis aquaculture sector but will also advance other crustacean cultivation.