Andhra Pradesh sounds alarm over White Gut Disease in shrimps

• The spread of White Gut Disease in shrimps have been reported in several parts of Andhra Pradesh.

• White Gut Disease (WGD), or White Feces Syndrome (WFS), is a severe condition affecting Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp). 

• It is caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. 

• The emergence of white excrement or feces from shrimp that float in the pond is an indication of WFD symptoms. 

• These faeces are a collection of damaged, decaying shrimp digestive tissue, which then form aggregates that combine with the feces.

• Shrimp affected with WGD show white/golden brown intestine. Feed consumption in the affected ponds is significantly reduced.

• State minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has directed fisheries department officials to recommend measures to contain it.

• The minister instructed officials to constitute a task force to submit report covering inspections carried out, samples collected and measures initiated to control the disease.

Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producing state in India

• India’s marine product exports reached a record level of Rs 73,890.46 crore ($8.45 billion) during 2025-26, with export volumes of 19.72 lakh metric tonnes. 

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has played a pivotal role in this growth by promoting export-oriented development through quality seed and broodstock support, certification and traceability systems, infrastructure creation, and capacity building across the value chain.

• Andhra Pradesh is the largest domestic fish producer and seafood exporter, accounting for a significant share of the country’s aquaculture production, with 55.39 lakh tonnes in 2025-26. 

• The sector supports the livelihoods of about 16.5 lakh people and contributes nearly 34 per cent of India’s seafood exports. 

• The state has a strong aquaculture base of around 7.6 lakh hectares, supported by more than 2.75 lakh farmers, and clusters such as Bhimavaram form the backbone of its export‑oriented shrimp and aquaculture ecosystem.

• With its extensive coastline, well-developed aquaculture infrastructure and strong presence of processing and export units, the state has emerged as a major hub for marine and aquaculture exports. 

• The state has received substantial support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with total approved investments of Rs 2,324.17 crore. 

• Andhra Pradesh has undertaken significant infrastructure development to strengthen its fisheries sector under PMMSY. 

• Furthermore, under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), nine projects have been approved in the state with a total investment of Rs 259.28 crore.