The yellow head virus is a virus that infects shrimp and prawn, particularly the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon).
Yellowhead Disease (YHD) and the Yellow Head Virus (YHV1)
Yellowhead disease (YHD) is a significant concern in shrimp aquaculture, primarily affecting farmed shrimp populations. The causative agent of this disease is the Yellow head virus genotype 1 (YHV1).
Key characteristics of YHV1:
- It is a positive-strand RNA virus.
- It is related to coronaviruses and arteriviruses.
- It specifically impacts species like the Penaeus monodon, or giant tiger prawn.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Viral Type | Positive-strand RNA virus |
| Related to | Coronaviruses and Arteriviruses |
| Primary Host | Giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) |
| Disease Caused | Yellowhead disease (YHD) |
