White Spot Disease of Spiny Lobster
White Spot Disease is a serious viral infection affecting crustaceans, including spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas). It is caused by a virus called White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). This virus is highly contagious and can rapidly devastate e...
What is it?
White Spot Disease is a serious viral infection affecting crustaceans, including spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas). It is caused by a virus called White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). This virus is highly contagious and can rapidly devastate entire populations of farmed or wild crustaceans. It is closely monitored worldwide because of its significant economic impact on aquaculture and fisheries.
Key point
Potentially severe disease with rapid and massive mortality; notifiable in certain aquatic animal health regulatory frameworks.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus, a DNA virus belonging to the family Nimaviridae. This virus infects the tissues of many crustaceans, notably shrimp and spiny lobsters, by multiplying in several organs such as the gills, stomach, and connective tissue.
Farms or areas with high crustacean density, sudden changes in water temperature, significant stress (handling, transport, poor water quality), and introduction of animals or equipment from contaminated areas increase the risk of disease emergence.
Transmission
The virus is transmitted mainly by direct contact between infected and healthy animals, through contaminated water, or by ingestion of infected carcasses or tissues (cannibalism). It can also be introduced into an environment through contaminated eggs, fouled rearing equipment, or transfer of animals between tanks or geographic areas. Stress, fluctuations in water temperature, and high population density favour the emergence and rapid spread of the disease.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Diagnosis is based on observation of clinical signs combined with specialized laboratory analysis, particularly molecular biology tests (PCR) to detect the presence of virus in tissues. These tests are performed by veterinary or aquaculture laboratories specialized in crustacean pathology.
Treatment
There is currently no specific curative treatment for this viral infection. Management relies solely on health control measures: isolation of affected animals, controlled removal of sick or dead animals, and reinforcement of hygiene measures to prevent spread to other animals.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention relies mainly on strict biosecurity measures: health screening of animals before introduction into a tank or farming area, equipment disinfection, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and regular monitoring of populations. Avoiding transfers of animals between areas with different health status is essential. No vaccine is currently available against this viral disease.
Possible complications
The disease can cause rapid and massive mortality within an affected population, over a period of days to weeks. It also has significant economic impact on fishing and aquaculture operations when it affects exploited areas.
When to see a veterinarian
Observation of unusual white spots or patches under the shell of multiple animals.
Abnormal and rapid mortality within a tank, holding pen, or fishing area.
Lethargy or abnormal behavior associated with loss of appetite in multiple individuals.
Suspicion of recent introduction of animals from a risk area.
Prognosis
Once the infection is established, the prognosis is generally poor, with a high risk of rapid and significant mortality. Survival of some individuals is possible, but the disease remains highly contagious to surrounding animals.
Frequently asked questions
Can the white spot disease of lobster contaminate humans?
No, this virus only infects crustaceans. There is no known risk to human health, even if consumed.
Can you treat a sick lobster?
There is no curative treatment for this virus. Management relies on isolating affected animals and implementing strict hygiene measures to prevent transmission.
How to prevent disease from entering a livestock farm or fishing area?
Prevention involves health screening of introduced animals, disinfection of equipment, quarantine of new arrivals, and avoiding transfers from contaminated areas.
Does this disease affect only lobster?
No, the virus responsible affects many crustaceans, notably shrimp, crabs and other lobsters, which explains its ability to spread widely in aquatic environments.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 29 August 2026
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