Vertical transmission and prevalence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in the wild spawning population of the Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus

•The dynamics of WSSV in wild caught spawning population was characterized.•It was demonstrated that the trans ovum transmission of WSSV in Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus using molecular, histopathological and transmission electron microscopy.•Ovaries at the ripe stage of reproductive maturation had the lowest level of WSSV infection followed by fertilized eggs and larvae.•Almost 58% of sampled wild spawning population of Penaeus indicus was infected with WSSV.