White spot syndrome virus host range and impact on transmission

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the etiological agent of white spot disease (WSD), is a significant pathogen affecting shrimp farming industry worldwide. White spot syndrome virus is a generalist virus mainly infecting decapod crustaceans. The aims of this review were to: (1) Re-evaluate and update the status of reported WSSV host and vector species based on the methods used when detecting replication and transmission to shrimp and 2) make a critical evaluation of existing literature on the presence of WSSV in aquatic organisms and the potential role these organisms might play in the transmission of WSSV in pond systems and the wild. An evaluation of literature about WSSV reported host and vector species showed an increase from 33 families to 50 families including 11 families of non-crustacean hosts, proved the virus continues to spread beyond farmed shrimp and the shrimp pond environment. White spot syndrome virus transmission in the aquatic environment is complex as depicted in our model. Containment of WSSV in ponds and the natural environment is challenging, mainly because of its generalist nature and a lack of understanding about (1) WSSV transmission in the aquatic setting, (2) the route of WSSV transmission among species exist in the aquatic environment and (3) information on the transmission dynamics between WSSV in farmed crustaceans and non-farmed animals. Information presented in this review provides the research direction on methods to control WSSV.