Use And Misuse of Antibiotics in Aquaculture

The world's growing need for protein is largely met by aquaculture, the fastest-growing sector of food production. However, as aquaculture production has grown rapidly, disease outbreaks, primarily bacterial diseases, have increased significantly, leading to the widespread use of antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics have been employed in aquaculture not only to control disease but also to promote growth, enhance feed efficiency, and reduce mortality rates. While antibiotics have helped to improve the health and productivity of farmed aquatic animals, their extensive use has raised serious concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, environmental pollution and human health risks. The discharge of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria into waterways can contaminate the environment, potentially entering the human food chain and contributing to the global burden of antibiotic resistance. So, there is need for responsible use of antibiotics with improved regulations as well as sustainable alternatives to mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic use in aquaculture.