Comparative genomics highlights the virulence and evolutionary trajectory of white spot syndrome virus.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a significant threat to shrimp aquaculture, leading to substantial economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the virulence and evolution of recent WSSV outbreaks in Japan. Shrimp infected with WSSV were collected from Okinawa, Miyakojima and Miyazaki prefectures, yielding a total of seven isolates.