Study on the efficacy of Cynodon dactylon against Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) in Penaeus vannamei

Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) is one of the most pathogenic viruses causing severe mortality in  Penaeus vannamei  in many countries. Several strategies have been implemented to inhibit the presence of IMNV disease. The present study was carried out to examine the antiviral activity of  Cynodon dactylon  ethanolic extract on IMNV disease in shrimp by  in vivo  testing. The  C. dactylon  plant extract was incorporated with artificial pellet feed at a concentration of 10, 15%, 20%, and 25%. For the experimental challenge shrimp were fed with IMNV-infected shrimp meat. The antiviral activity was determined by observing survival rates, and IMNV infection was confirmed at the end of the experiment through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification. This study showed that the plant extract of  C. dactylon  was found to be highly effective in preventing IMNV infection with up to 98% survival rate in  Penaeus vannamei .