Sending shrimp samples to Genics in Australia is fast & easy 

By Reiny Tumbol, Client Success Manager, Genics Indonesia 


Sending test samples to Genics is easy and fast, but some of our customers are initially concerned about the process of sending shrimp samples to our laboratory in Australia. Don’t worry. Our sample shipping process is fast, easy, and secure, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Genics is your most valuable partner in breeding and growing outstanding shrimp and keeping them healthy. We solve the problem of early pathogen detection with our Shrimp MultiPath2.0 testing and enable genetically powered breeding programs with ShrimpID. Our Biosecurity services also help farmers understand where pathogens come from in the first place and allow them to better understand how to prevent them from entering the farming system.

Keep reading for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sample shipping. 


How long does it take to send samples from my farm in Indonesia to the Genics laboratory in Australia? 

Shipping samples from Indonesia to the Genics laboratory in Australia only takes 2-3 days, depending on your exact location in Indonesia. So, if you follow our simple submission process, we’ll get results back to you very quickly. 

Sending samples to Genics is easy. 

1. Pack your samples 
Genics can provide barcoded tubes to put your samples in – just add 70% laboratory-grade ethanol. 

Sampling guides and videos are on our website, and our consultants are always available to help you with sample programs and sampling techniques. 

2. Submit & send 
Log your samples on the myGenics web portal, and we will organize the pick-up from your farm. 

3. Get quick results 
Samples ship from Indonesia to Australia with DHL in 2-3 days, so you’ll get fast results.

Learn more about submitting your samples to Genics here


Will my samples stay fresh during shipping? Is sample degradation a problem?

Genics can provide 1 and 2 mL barcoded tubes to put your samples in – just add 70% laboratory-grade ethanol.

Once your sample is preserved in 70% laboratory-grade ethanol, your DNA and RNA are safe. They can be stored at ambient or room temperature for many weeks, and the Shrimp MultiPath assay will maintain its sensitivity and accuracy for your samples.

When preparing your samples for shipping, ensure your sample tubes have less than 30 mL of liquid, are closed (first seal), and are placed in a ziplock plastic bag (second seal), removing all excess air. In a small cardboard box, put your double-sealed samples with enough paper towels to absorb all the liquid if it does leak. Ensure the total volume in your cardboard box is less than 1 liter or 1000 mL.

You’ll register all your shipping parcels on the myGenics customer portal, and they’ll be tracked throughout their journey, every step of the way, to our Accredited Laboratories.

Watch the video below for more information about sample packing:


How do I dissect shrimp to get samples for Genics testing? 

Dissecting shrimp to obtain testing samples is a straightforward process. You only need very simple tools, like scissors and sterile disposable gloves. 

You can watch the short videos below on shrimp dissection to get all the information you need.  

This video explains shrimp lymphoid organ dissection:


Non-destructive pleopod sampling is an easy 3-step process – watch this video to learn how to do it:


This video explains Shrimp MultiPath2.0 target organ dissection:


How can I quickly sterilize my tools when preparing samples? 

All you need to sterilize your sampling tools is a small amount of ethanol, a scouring sponge, a propane gas burner or other hot flame.  

Dipping your tools in ethanol and placing them briefly on an open flame will effectively remove contaminants and pathogens. 

Watch this short video to quickly learn this easy and effective sterilization technique:


How do I tag my shrimp for individual identification? 

When collecting samples for Genics, there are times when you want your pathogen or genotyping data to be linked to specific animals. In this case, it’s important to use a tracking system such as individually numbered eye tags to link your live animal to your digital data. 

This video shows you the easy procedure for applying eye tags to your live shrimp:


How do I register to use myGenics services? 

Registering for the myGenics customer portal is a simple three-step process. Once your organization is registered, we’ll send you the barcoded tubes you need to collect samples. Then, you can log in and track your samples as they’re delivered to us.  

Get started by completing the easy myGenics online registration form here.    


Who can help me get started using Genics services?   

My name is Dr. Reiny Tumbol. I’m the local Genics expert consultant in Indonesia, and I’m available to answer all your questions about shrimp health, pathogen testing, breeding programs, and sample shipping. 

Please get in touch with me, and I’ll be delighted to help: reiny.tumbol@genics.com.au



About the Author 

Dr. Reiny Tumbol is Genics Client Success Manager in Indonesia. An Indonesian local now living in North Sulawesi, she has more than 30 years of experience in Aquaculture. Reiny studied at top-tier Australian Universities, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in aquaculture and fisheries. She is passionate about helping Indonesia’s Shrimp farmers optimize their animal health and breeding program outcomes. 


Visit the Genics shrimp solutions page to discover all our health, biosecurity, and breeding optimization services:



ACUACAM 2024: Genics presents cutting-edge shrimp production technology in Mexico 

By Michelle Vintimilla 


Last week, the aquaculture industry gathered at Mexico’s ACUACAM 2024.  

Representing Genics at ACUACAM were myself, Dr. Jeremy Brawner, Genics Head of Genetic Solutions, who traveled from Florida for the event, and our local Genics representative in Mexico, Luis Raymundo. 

While we were at the conference, we delivered an informative presentation and had the opportunity to meet with many interesting people, all passionate about the future of shrimp farming in the Americas. 

(Photo above, left to right: me – Michelle Vintimilla, Genics Client Success Manager, Latin America – Dr. Jeremy Brawner, Genics Head of Genetic Solutions, and Luis Raymundo, Genics México) 


Sharing new ideas and practical skills 

Jeremy and I gave a keynote talk at ACUACAM, emphasizing the importance of early pathogen detection and genomic breeding management in uplifting shrimp farming productivity.  

We also hosted a hands-on workshop on shrimp dissection for PCR pathogen analysis. This skill is vital for farmers, shrimp farm staff, and aquaculture health technicians who want to get the most out of testing and laboratory services. It was a great experience sharing knowledge and practical skills that can make such a big difference in shrimp producer’s productivity. If you missed our presentation, you can find educational videos about sample dissection on the Genics website. 


(Photo above: me hosting sample dissection workshop for ACUACAM attendees.) 


Throughout ACUACAM, people were especially interested in hearing about Genics’ latest technological innovations, like Shrimp MultiPath2.0, our new digital phenotyping system, genotyping services, and breeding programs. 


Shrimp MultiPath2.0 is now available for customers in the Americas 

Genics R&D department has introduced services in 2024 that dramatically raise the bar on testing speed, accuracy, and commercial accessibility.   

The introduction of Genics Shrimp MultiPath2.0 is a significant leap forward in early warning pathogen detection. Releasing this latest iteration of our groundbreaking testing service enables the simultaneous detection of 18 shrimp pathogens by a single test, the new industry benchmark.  

Shrimp MultiPath2.0 offers unrivaled sensitivity and accuracy, and with laboratory data turnaround times of five days or less, it offers shrimp farmers in Latin America an unprecedented ability to prevent disease outbreaks. 

You can find out more about Shrimp MultiPath2.0 here. 


Advanced Digital Phenotyping 

Jeremy and I gave the ACUACAM crowd a sneak preview of Genics’ latest tech R&D: an innovative system for digital shrimp phenotyping, leveraging AI to produce sophisticated, rich data outputs. Coupled with Genics ShrimpID genotyping services, this new technology will give our customers the most detailed shrimp pedigree information currently available. As well as facilitating advanced breeding program management, this groundbreaking system will enable genetically-based disease resistance. Genics will be launching this new service shortly, so be sure to sign up for updates


Genics is all about helping shrimp farmers grow their business 

Reflecting on our recent experience at ACUACAM, Jeremy and I were both so happy to be able to interact directly with this energetic and forward-looking community. There’s so much enthusiasm to propel the shrimp industry to new technological heights, and Genics is proud to be at the forefront of that growth.  

Farmers partner with Genics because we’re committed to being the most accurate, fastest, and most innovative aquaculture service provider. We’re also fully aware that every farm has its own unique goals and challenges, so we tailor our services to the needs of each individual customer.  


Hi, I’m Michelle Vintimilla

I’m Genics Client Success Manager in Latin America. I’m based in Ecuador, and I look after Genics’ customers throughout the Americas, North to South. I earned my Master’s Degree in Aquaculture from Ghent University, Belgium, and I have many years of industry experience in shrimp grow-out production, health management, and breeding programs.   

Let’s talk about how Genics can increase your farm’s productivity. Please book a free consultation. 

Apply now for Genics Shrimp Health Masterclass, Indonesia 

By Reiny Tumbol. 


I’m very proud to announce that Genics and Sam Ratulangi University are collaborating to present the Genics Shrimp Health Masterclass Course 2024. This is a unique opportunity for professionals in the Indonesian shrimp industry to learn new advanced skills with expert instructors. 

The Genics Shrimp Health Masterclass Course 2024 follows the tremendous success of our prior 2023 Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Course, which we co-hosted with the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.  


Course highlights 

Participants in this masterclass course will delve into advanced techniques in: 

  • Shrimp pathogen detection technology 
  • Shrimp genomic analysis 
  • Breeding program strategy 
  • Advanced shrimp health management 
  • Scientific breeding optimization 
  • Latest techniques in farm biosecurity  
  • Professional laboratory techniques 
  • Aquaculture management 

The course also includes an onsite grow-out farm visit for all participants to observe operations in a real-world setting. 

Tailored for individuals working in the shrimp industry, this comprehensive course aims to empower participants with cutting-edge knowledge and strategies to propel their careers forward. 

A Certificate of Achievement will be presented to all Students who complete the Genics Shrimp Health Masterclass Course 2024. 


Course details: 

  • Dates: 4 – 9 March 2024  
  • Location: Sam Ratulangi University, Unsrat Campus, Manado, IDN

Application and further information 

Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your career in the ever-evolving landscape of shrimp health. Join us at the Genics Shrimp Health Masterclass Course 2024 for an immersive learning experience at the intersection of career and innovation.  

To apply for this exclusive masterclass course, please click here.


About the Author 

Dr. Reiny Tumbol is Genics Client Success Manager in Indonesia. An Indonesian local now living in North Sulawesi, she has more than 30 years of experience in Aquaculture. Reiny studied at top-tier Australian Universities, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in aquaculture and fisheries. She is passionate about helping Indonesia’s Shrimp farmers optimize their animal health and breeding program outcomes. 

(Image at top: 2023 Shrimp Health Course in Australia – Photos Copyright the University of Queensland & Genics, taken at the joint UQ & Genics program on Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture at the University of Queensland.)


  

Research shows POC tests only detect high-level infection of WSSV – but there’s a better solution for shrimp farmers   

In 2019, Australia’s CSIRO undertook a scientific investigation into the effectiveness of shrimp point of care test kits in detecting white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). At the time of the study, point of care tests had become a go-to method of disease detection for farmers, a situation that persists to this day. But, with the CSIRO’s recent presentation of their findings at ProAqua Symposium, it’s time for an urgent reassessment of testing practices.   

(Image above: the author, Dr. Melony Sellars, working in the laboratory.) 


White spot virus demands best practice controls   

WSSV continues to persist as one of the global shrimp industry’s most economically impactful pathogens. In 2016, severe outbreaks of WSSV in Queensland, Australia, snapped WSSV to the forefront of the national shrimp industry’s attention. With the WSSV emergency response destroying farm populations and costing producers millions of dollars, farmers urgently needed a way to monitor their animals for early-stage WSSV infection.   

Global uptake of POC test kits, including for WSSV, had become second nature in the shrimp industry, being used for various purposes, including early-stage WSSV detection. With WSSV devastation at their doorstep in 2016, the Australian Industry requested access to such kits, which first required Government approval.    

In 2019, at the request of a battered shrimp industry, the CSIRO commenced a laboratory-based evaluation of WSSV tests to determine the efficacy and fitness for purpose of POC test kits compared to laboratory PCR Testing.   


CSIRO examines WSSV POC testing   

Commencing in 2019, Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) collaborated with shrimp industry stakeholders on a comprehensive study of WSSV testing methods. The study report – Evaluation of point of care (POC) tests for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) – compares commercially available tests designed to detect WSSV on commercial shrimp farms with laboratory-run PCR WSSV tests.  

The CSIRO’s research compares and assesses five WSSV tests, comprising three rapid antigen-style and two PCR-based tests. After exhaustive testing, the study clearly shows that rapid antigen POC test kits yield inferior limits of detection when compared with PCR laboratory testing. The research group found that rapid antigen-style POC tests were a sub-optimal defense against WSSV because “POC tests had lower sensitivity than validated laboratory reference WSSV qPCR tests.”   

The lack of sensitivity of rapid antigen POC testing is such that it actually creates a false sense of security for farmers. The CSIRO study’s findings are crucially significant for the global industry because the current expectation among farmers is that POC tests can detect WSSV in the early stages of infection, providing early warning of disease. However, CSIRO’s study identifies vital issues with rapid antigen POC testing kits, which means that they are not, in fact, a solution for WSSV early warning and prevention.   


The dangerous flaw revealed by CSIRO’s POC testing study   

CSIRO’s study reveals substantial issues with POC test kits as a means to prevent WSSV outbreaks. Among the problems with POC kits, CSIRO emphasizes the gap between user expectations and actual test kit sensitivity in the field.    

Farmer’s confidence in POC test kits is supported by the perception that they can detect WSSV early enough to prevent large-scale stock losses. However, CSIRO’s research reveals that the studies used to prove POC kit capability were conducted in laboratory conditions, where the infection speed and transmission pathways did not reflect the reality on farms. A careful reading of manufacturers’ guidelines on some kits also reveals that validation occurs on synthetic templates, providing unrealistic guidelines for real-world use on shrimp samples.  

The CSIRO team writes in the report that “in existing literature, all POC tests were reported to be able to detect WSSV in the early stages of infection.” However, they continue, “the live prawn experiments conducted in this study demonstrate that white spot disease progresses much faster when prawns are injected with WSSV compared to when they are cohabitated with WSSV infected cohorts. Thus, the predicted timeframe from WSSV exposure to WSSV detection by POC testing in the field may be over-estimated…”    


(Image above: shrimp infected with WSSV.)


This finding underlines the crucial problem with POC tests as a means of WSSV control. The virus develops more rapidly in shrimp that are deliberately infected for the purposes of POC test kit validation. However, when used in commercial settings, where disease develops more slowly in individual animals, POC test kits fail to find the virus early enough to prevent infection from spreading throughout farm populations. This fatal flaw in POC kit sensitivity means that if farmers continue to use them for WSSV detection, they will miss the virus in its early stages, leading to continued disease outbreaks.       


Protecting against WSSV requires a strategic change   

WSSV is now endemic worldwide, so vigilant preventative monitoring with fit-for-purpose testing technology is essential. WSSV can destroy entire shrimp farm populations in mere days, underlining the need for an effective early detection regime.     

One of the key findings of CSIRO’s recent study is that when it comes to reliable testing for WSSV, current POC test kits cannot match the sensitivity and accuracy of validated laboratory-based PCR testing.     

“For all 3 WSSV strains assessed, the laboratory reference qPCRs were 10-fold more sensitive than the most sensitive POC test,” the CSIRO study found. Indeed, PCR tests are 100-fold more sensitive than one of the most commonly used POC test kits on the market. CSIRO states in their findings that for “For weak positive samples,” – typical of early stage WSSV infection – sensitivity of POC tests is inadequate, “with only 56% – 78% of replicate weak positive samples testing positive, in contrast to the 100% concordance demonstrated by the laboratory reference qPCRs.”    


(Image above: laboratory pathogen testing for WSSV is more accurate and reliable than conventional POC kits.) 


For farmers, the conclusion to be drawn from CSIRO’s research is emphatically clear: to avoid destructive outbreaks of WSSV, the shrimp industry urgently needs to pivot toward using lab-based PCR tests for routine testing instead of relying on rapid antigen POC kits. Notably, such lab-based PCR tests must also be properly validated by the laboratory personnel, with all assays varying in performance based on equipment, chemistry, people, and operating conditions.   

With turnaround times on laboratory testing as short as twenty-four hours, any concerns about immediacy can be set aside. Performing a POC test on-site gives the false security of quick results, but the reality is that due to their lack of sensitivity, POC tests miss disease in its early stages when a lab test would detect it.    


The research takeaways for farmers  

The CSIRO report clearly shows that lab-based PCR tests are more sensitive and reliable than the currently ubiquitous POC kits. It should also be noted that such lab-based PCR tests must be properly validated in any given laboratory to ensure optimal performance and that validation is an ongoing requirement, not a one-off event.  

The early warning aspect of lab-based PCR testing delivers a vital advantage to farmers since knowing about WSSV infection on their farm a few days early can prevent catastrophic stock losses.     

When disease outbreaks can decimate shrimp farms in mere days, and millions of dollars are on the line, CSIRO’s research sends a strong signal to the shrimp industry to stop relying on POC kits. Lab-based PCR testing, with its superior sensitivity and reliability, is the only way to effectively manage the threat of WSSV.   


Shrimp MultiPath2.0 provides reliable, fast WSSV detection 

Genics Shrimp MultiPath2.0™ is a lab-based PCR test that sets the industry standard for reliable, rapid shrimp pathogen detection.  

Unlike conventional test kits, Shrimp MultiPath2.0 detects 18 common shrimp pathogens with a single test, including WSSV.  

Acting as an early warning system, Shrimp MultiPath2.0 alerts farmers to the presence of pathogens weeks before any visible symptoms appear. This proactive approach is invaluable in preventing costly stock losses and maintaining the health of the aquaculture environment.  

With CSIRO research clearly showing the inadequacy of conventional POC test kits, Shrimp MultiPath2.0 is the best solution for producers who want cutting-edge protection against WSSV. 


Protect your shrimp from WSSV  

Discover the advantages of Shrimp MultiPath2.0 and book a free consultation: click here



About the author 

Dr. Melony Sellars has 20 years of experience in Aquaculture, with an in-depth background in shrimp aquaculture. She has extensive expertise in the application of novel biotech solutions for industry, genetics, and breeding programs. Dr. Sellars is the CEO and Managing Director of Genics, the leading provider of shrimp health and pathogen management technology.