Genomic attributes and recent advances in detection of white spot syndrome virus in shrimp: a review

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the most devastating shrimp pathogens that causes a potential loss in penaeid shrimp farming. White spot syndrome (WSS) was considered as epizootic in the major shrimp farming nations and currently, no approved medications are available to prevent the infection. Owing to the scientific progress made in the recent decades, it has been possible to identify the genomic mutations and variations of WSSV of distinctive geographic regions. Due to the scarcity of appropriate therapeutics against WSSV, it is crucial to mitigate the risk of infection through early detection of the virus by exploiting suitable diagnostic tools. Also, while ample diagnostic approaches are in use, literature with detailed and updated information is quite limited. The genomic variations in specific loci of WSSV discussed in this review would help in understanding the genomic evolution respective to several lineages of the virus.