Epidemiology of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in East Java: Spatiotemporal Distribution and Risk Factors in Shrimp Aquaculture

Abstrak

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) remains a persistent challenge in shrimp aquaculture because it severely reduces growth rates. This study investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of EHP infection in East Java, Indonesia, and identified key risk factors relevant to local production systems. Over one year, 990 samples were collected, comprising 523 from shrimp and 467 from pond water, across five major regions: Banyuwangi, Jember, Madura, Probolinggo, and Situbondo. Statistical analyses commenced with Chi-square tests to assess associations, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify significant predictors of infection. The overall EHP prevalence was 27.07%, with substantial variation by sample type and region. Infection rates were significantly higher in shrimp (40.54%) than in water samples (11.99%), and Banyuwangi exhibited the highest prevalence at 32.50%. The regression model demonstrated that water samples were significantly less likely to test positive than shrimp, and that Jember, Madura, and Situbondo had lower odds of infection compared to Banyuwangi. Seasonal trends were evident, with July representing a period of elevated risk and September a period of reduced transmission. These findings indicate that biological, spatial, and seasonal factors influence EHP infection dynamics in East Java. Targeted monitoring of shrimp tissues in high-risk regions such as Banyuwangi during mid-year months is recommended for effective disease management.