A longitudinal study of risk factors associated with white spot disease occurrence in marine shrimp farming in Rayong, Thailand

Background A longitudinal study was conducted to analyze farm characteristics, farm practices, and biosecurity measures that influenced the occurrence of white spot disease (WSD) in shrimp farming in Rayong, Thailand. Methods Data were collected using a structured interview schedule administered between October 2017 and September 2019. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to identify risk factors. From the 270 responses, 86 possible risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results We found that 17 possible risk factors were statistically significant with an alpha level of 1% and associated with WSD status. In the final model, multivariate analysis found that two independent variables were statistically significant. First, the absence of inclement weather during ponding was a statistically significant factor associated with WSD occurrence and it prevented WSD occurrence as the odds ratio (OR) was <1 (OR = 0.196, P = 1.3 × 10 −5 ). Second, the separation of ponds into three specific types (cultured, water treatment, and pond for water reservoir) was significantly associated with WSD occurrence. Likewise, the presence of this ponding system was a protective factor against WSD (OR = 0.0828, P = 0.001). Conclusions The results of this study offer a reference for farmers and relevant authorities when addressing WSD occurrence in shrimp farming. In addition, our results can help relevant authorities in controlling WSD in other endemic areas.