The National Chamber of Aquaculture of Ecuador (CAN) signed a collaboration agreement with the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute of China (YSFRI) to improve the biosecurity of shrimp aquaculture in Ecuador. The partnership aims at improving the techniques and quality of shrimp farming in Ecuador through biosecurity measures.
YSFRI is a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reference laboratory for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoetic necrosis virus (IHHNV). The Chinese laboratory developed a rapid diagnostic test for animal pathogens and prevention and control technologies. In addition, the center supports biosecurity measures to prevent disease.
“This is a strategic partnership for economic cooperation to increase market and investment. China is such an important market and a strategic partner. In fact, China is our first commercial partner in Asia and shrimp are our main export product,” said Iván Ontaneda Berrú, Ecuador's minister of production, market, investment and fisheries.
