System for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquaculture and other animal systems

A composition for the biocontrol of white spot syndrome in shrimp comprising:

• a genetically modified probiotic enteric bacteria that expresses at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide selected from the group nucleic acids sequences consisting of:
• SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO. 2, and SEQ ID NO. 3, wherein said at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide is a double stranded RNA polynucleotide molecule (dsRNA) that targets an essential gene in a white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), wherein said essential gene is selected from the group consisting of:
• wsv477, vp28, and vp19.

The composition of 13, wherein said at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide selected from the group of nucleic acid sequences consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO. 2, and SEQ ID NO. 3, comprises at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

• at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide having 95% homology with SEQ ID NO. 1;
• at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide having 95% homology with SEQ ID NO. 2, and at least one heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide having 95% homology with SEQ ID NO. 3.

The composition of 10, wherein said shrimp comprise shrimp raised in an aquaculture environment.

The composition of 15 wherein said genetically modified probiotic enteric bacteria is transmitted to shrimp progeny through vertical transmission.

The composition of 16, and further comprising a therapeutically effective amount of said genetically modified probiotic enteric bacteria administered to said shrimp raised in an aquaculture environment such that said heterologous inhibitory polynucleotide downregulating expression of said essential gene in a WSSV, an further results in a reduction in mortality due to WSSV in said shrimp raised in an aquaculture environment.