This disease card provides an overview of Translucent Post-larvae Disease (TPD), a highly infectious and lethal disease known (thus far) to infect Penaeus vannamei, P. chinensis and P. japonicus mainly in post-larvae of four to seven days age (PL2~PL7). TPD can cause morbidity of up to 60% in 24 hours after clinical signs and up to 90-100% mortality in severe cases on the second to third day.

This card details the causative agent (a Vibrio spp. carrying the Vibrio high virulent protein VHP-1 and VHVP-2), host range, geographical distribution, epidemiology, prevention and control measures, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, expert contact and references.

This report summarises the proceedings of the 24th meeting of the Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health, held 24-25 November 2026 by video conference. The role of the group is to review trends in disease and emerging threats in the region, identify developments in global disease issues and standards, to evaluate the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting Program and to provide guidance on regional strategies to improve aquatic animal health management.

Reports received in 2025 only came from few member governments including: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Listed below are the reported aquatic animal diseases covering the third and fourth quarters of 2025 (with first and second quarter reports from Chinese Taipei).  The original and updated reports can be accessed at the QAAD page.

Looking to play a key role in advancing sustainable aquaculture across the Pacific? The Pacific Community (SPC) is seeking an experienced Inland Aquaculture Specialist to support governments, communities, and the private sector in developing resilient, productive, and environmentally responsible aquaculture systems. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to food security, economic growth, and climate adaptation across diverse island contexts, while working alongside regional and international partners.

Based in Suva (Fiji) or Port Vila (Vanuatu), the position combines technical leadership, policy input, and hands-on project support across the region. If you have strong expertise in inland aquaculture and a passion for sustainable development, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Applications close 26 April 2026 (11:59pm Fiji time).

NACA recently participated in the FAO Expert Workshop, "Turning guidance into action: regional insights for implementing the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture," held from 24-25 February 2026 in Rome, Italy. The Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) provide a shared set of principles and recommendations to promote a sustainable, equitable aquaculture sector worldwide. While the guidelines offer a clear vision for the sector's economic, social, and environmental future, the current focus is on practical implementation.

Building on recent regional workshops, experts gathered to develop a decision-support tool to help countries adapt these guidelines into actionable national policies. Implementing the GSA requires robust institutional support, targeted capacity building, and innovative financing. NACA encourages stakeholders to integrate these guidelines into their governance frameworks, providing a roadmap to maximize aquaculture's contribution to food security and environmental conservation.