Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
ViAqua Therapeutics, an Israeli-based biotechnology startup, has secured $8.25 million
in funding for its oral RNA-based shrimp vaccine
The vaccine targets white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), which leads to a 15% reduction in
global shrimp production each year
ViAqua plans to administer its RNA-based product via coated feed; the RNA molecules
can inhibit gene expression, silencing disease-affected genes
Shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, the type that “remembers” exposures to
infectious agents, so it’s long been assumed that shrimp cannot be vaccinated; now it’s
becoming clear that shrimp do have some defense against viruses, which is only
beginning to be understood
The risks of tinkering with shrimp genetics, and using mRNA shots in pigs, cattle and
other animals intended for food, are completely unknown