Mud Crab Reovirus (MCRV)

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – ‘Reovirus’ hits mud crab cultivation in A.P.

Concept –

Mud Crab Reovirus (MCRV) has been found to be the reason for the mass mortality of crabs (Scylla serrate) in Andhra Pradesh.
MCRV, also known as the “sleeping disease”, has taken a toll on crabs in every farming method; crab fattening and crab polyculture, in which shrimp and crab are cultured in the same pond, and exclusive mud crab ponds.
The viral pathogen belongs to the family of ‘Reoviridae’. It mainly affects the connective tissue of hepatopancreas, gills, and intestine.
In 2007, the MCRV paralysed the crab species cultivation in China.

About wild crab or mud crab

Wild Crab are scientifically called as Scylla serrata.
They are ecologically important species of crab and are found in the estuaries and mangroves of Africa, Asia and Australasia.
The shell colour varies from deep, mottled green to dark brown, In their most common form.