JAKARTA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- In a bid to prevent hazardous viruses in Penaeus Vanamae shrimps, also known as Pacific white shrimp, from spreading in the country, Indonesian government bans the import of such shrimps in the next six months, local media reported here Thursday.

    The decision to ban the shrimp import is legalized by decrees issued by trade minister and maritime and fishery minister on Dec.23.

    "The issuance of the decrees are aimed at protecting people's health, national natural resources and preventing the spread of the hazardous viruses in Indonesia," Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu was quoted by the Kompas.com as saying.

    The import ban on the shrimp takes into effect six months after the decrees were issued and it may be extended for another six months.

    According to the findings of Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the world animal health organization, there are seven hazardous viruses embedded in shrimp products that need global attention.

    Those viruses include Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV), White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Yellow Head Disease (YHD), Tetrahedral Baculovirosis (Baculovirus Penaei), Spherical Baculovirosis (Penaeus Monodon-type Baculovirus ), Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV), and Infectious Myo Necrosis Virus (IMNV).

    Reports said the viruses have been found in India, Thailand and Vietnam with WSSV regarded as the most notorious virus among the seven ones found in shrimps.