Fisheries department officials warn aqua farmers of ‘White Gut Disease’ outbreak

Officials of the Fisheries department sounded alarm about the outbreak of White Gut Disease (WDG), also known as White Feces Disease (WFD), in shrimp ponds in State. Explaining the symptoms of the disease, scientists appealed to the shrimp farmers to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.A team of Fisheries department officials, who collected samples of shrimp, water, faeces and feed, reportedly confirmed the symptoms of the disease in some ponds in West Godavari district.

The team led by Joint Director (Fisheries) D. Srinivas collected samples from the shrimp ponds in Mahadevapatnam, Tokatippa and other villages in Undi mandal. The samples would be sent to to the labs located at Kaikalur and Bhimavaram.

The teams collected more samples from the nearby aqua ponds, the Joint Director said.“Shrimp effected by WGD take in less feed, suffer from stunted growth, have intestines that turn brown, and shows signs of loose shells. Aqua farmers should maintain good hygienic conditions to prevent diseases.

We are collecting samples from the shrimp tanks across the State,” an officer of the task force team constituted to check the disease said.Meanwhile, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, who reviewed the situation recently, directed the officials to educate the farmers on preventing the spread of white gut disease.“Instructions have been given to the Joint Director, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Fisheries Development Officers and other officials who visit villages and collect samples.

Government is taking all steps to prevent losses to aqua farmers in the State. Farmers are requested to purchase quality seeds and feed and follow biosecurity measures to avoid diseases,” the Minister said.The State government, in coordination with Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), A.

P. Fisheries University, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NGFGR), State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) and National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NASPAAD), is taking measures to educate the farmers and prevent the spread of WGD, the Minister informed.Mr.

Atchannaidu warned that stern action would be taken against fake seed and feed sellers, as well as unqualified individuals running laboratories. Published - July 06, 2026 07:23 pm IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit READ LATER SEE ALL Remove Related Topics aquaculture / Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada