Crab and lobster exports halted after white spot syndrome found in shipment

By DMG 22 Jul 2022

DMG Newsroom
22 July 2022, Sittwe 

The Arakan State Fisheries Department has ordered 10 mud crab and lobster exporters to halt their shipments after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was found in their exports. 

Among them are three lobster exporters and seven mud crab exporters who export to China, according to the department. 

“There are standard operating procedures adopted by our department regarding how to clean the tank, and which chemicals to use in cleaning the tank. We will test again and if the products test negative for viruses, we will allow them to resume exports,” said U Thet Oo, director of the department. 

“It is mainly because of the water. The water needs to be clean. We have suspended exports because we are concerned that the virus would spread to other places through them,” said U Thet Oo. 

Exports of mud crabs and lobsters to China were also temporarily halted after WSSV was detected in a shipment on May 23. At that time, exports were tested at a lab for the virus. Sixty-eight exporters have since been allowed to resume their mud crab and lobster exports after their products tested negative for the virus. 

Those who earn a living catching mud crab and lobster and selling them to exporters are suffering from the ban. An exporter from Kyaukphyu who asked for anonymity said: “As we can’t export, we can only offer lower prices for creatures that they have caught. So, some people for whom this is their main source of livelihood are having difficulties.” 

Another crab exporter said they lack proper knowledge about how to keep their products virus-free. “The fisheries department in our township has not properly educated us about that,” he said. 

Arakan State exported over 100 tonnes of lobster and 400 tonnes of mud crab last year to China, according to the Fisheries Department. 

If cooked properly, crabs and lobsters carrying WSSV are still safe for consumption, according to the department.