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Outbreaks of white spot disease detected in Andhra Pradesh shrimp farms
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Saturday, 20 December, 2025, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Aquaculture disease surveillance efforts have detected instances of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in shrimp farms across Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the importance of early detection and proactive disease management in India’s expanding aquaculture sector. The findings were shared in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
According to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, routine sampling under the ongoing national surveillance programme for aquatic animal diseases (NSPAAD) has identified four WSSV-positive samples through passive surveillance since January 1, 2025, and 23 WSSV-positive samples through active surveillance across the state. These results highlight the presence of white spot disease at farm levels, though authorities have not reported widespread severe losses among shrimp farmers to date.
The NSPAAD, implemented under the central sector component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an outlay of Rs 33.78 crore, enables systematic monitoring of aquatic animal health across India. It brings together fish farmers, field officers and fish health experts through a coordinated network to support early detection, reporting and disease control measures. An Android-based mobile app, “Report Fish Disease”, has also been launched to facilitate seamless communication and reporting from the field.
To protect shrimp aquaculture and bolster biosecurity, the coastal aquaculture authority has issued comprehensive guidelines for establishing Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) shrimp broodstock centres, hatcheries and farms. These guidelines promote health monitoring, disease surveillance and certification of SPF stocks to prevent the introduction and spread of WSSV.
Mandatory quarantine protocols for imported shrimp broodstock and parental post-larvae have been enforced, and registration of shrimp hatcheries, nauplii rearing centres and farms with the authority ensures effective oversight. Regular PCR-based surveillance of shrimp and water samples further strengthens early detection and control capabilities.
In addition, the Government is encouraging adoption of advanced aquaculture practices such as biofloc technology (BFT) and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), which enhance biosecurity and reduce disease risks while promoting sustainable, climate-resilient growth in the aquaculture sector.
These coordinated efforts aim to safeguard India’s shrimp industry, support farmers’ livelihoods and ensure the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
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