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Innocreate CEO Dr. Jeff Chia-Kai Hsu Presents Breakthrough WSSV Detection at 2023 CAAD Symposium
WSSV Detection remains one of the most critical challenges in the global aquaculture industry, and new advancements are finally providing farmers with the tools they need to protect their livelihoods. Dr. Jeff Chia-Kai Hsu, CEO of Innocreate Bioscience, recently stood alongside world-renowned researchers to share critical advancements in shrimp health management at the 4th International Symposium on the Control of Aquatic Animal Diseases (2023 CAAD). Held from November 26–28, 2023, at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), the symposium served as a premier global platform for discussing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to aquatic disease control.
A New Standard for Rapid Risk Management
During his presentation, Dr. Hsu focused on the necessity of rapid WSSV Detection, a pathogen that has cost the global shrimp industry billions in losses annually. He highlighted the clinical success of the WSSV RP Rapid Test Kit, a lateral flow immunoassay developed by Innocreate Bioscience. This technology was designed to solve the latency issues inherent in traditional laboratory testing, where the time spent waiting for a result often means the difference between a minor incident and a total crop loss.
As the world’s first rapid test kit for aquatic animals recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as fit-for-purpose, this technology represents a major leap forward in “pondside” diagnostics. By decentralizing the process of WSSV Detection, Innocreate is effectively putting the power of a laboratory into the hands of the farm manager. Dr. Hsu discussed how this tool allows farmers to:
- Act Faster: Traditional methods require days; this tool allows users to perform WSSV Detection and see viral protein results in just 15–30 minutes directly on-site.
- Ensure Accuracy: The kit achieves a sensitivity of 99.2% and a specificity of 100%. These figures are comparable to laboratory-based real-time PCR, which has historically been the gold standard for WSSV Detection.
- Improve Sustainability: By identifying infections early—before clinical signs even appear—farmers can implement biosecurity measures or early harvests. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic crop failure and prevents the misinformed use of antibiotics.
Collaboration for a “Blue Transformation”
The 2023 CAAD symposium, organized by the International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture (ICSDSA) at NCKU, brought together over 370 on-site and online participants representing 28 countries. Dr. Hsu joined an elite group of speakers to outline the current drawbacks in traditional disease diagnosis and the ways new technologies can expedite pathogen discovery.
In the high-stakes environment of international shrimp trade, reliable WSSV Detection is a prerequisite for a “Blue Transformation.” This refers to the global effort to make aquaculture more efficient and less impactful on the environment. “Early detection leads to sustainable production,” Dr. Hsu emphasized during the sessions. The recognition of Innocreate’s diagnostic advancements at such a high-level scientific gathering underscores the company’s vital role in safeguarding the future of global shrimp aquaculture.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Following his presentation, symposium attendees visited the WOAH Reference Laboratory for White Spot Disease at NCKU. This visit served to further bridge the gap between innovative commercial solutions and academic research excellence. It is this synergy between peer-reviewed science and practical, easy-to-use technology that makes Innocreate’s approach to WSSV Detection so revolutionary.
When WSSV Detection can be performed reliably by non-specialists in rural farming areas, the entire global supply chain becomes more resilient. The data generated at the pondside can inform broader biosecurity strategies, helping regional managers track the movement of the virus and issue warnings before a localized outbreak becomes a regional pandemic.
About Innocreate Bioscience
Innocreate Bioscience Co., Ltd. is a leader in aquatic health technology, specializing in the development of rapid, reliable, and accessible diagnostic tools. Its flagship WSSV RP Rapid Test Kit is a finalist for the 2025 Responsible Seafood Innovation Award, reflecting the company’s ongoing impact on global food security.
