Given the threat posed by antibiotic use in the aquaculture sector, there is an urgent need for countermeasures.
Context
Given the threat posed by antibiotic use in the aquaculture sector, there is an urgent need for countermeasures.
About
- AMR is the ability of bacteria and other microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them.
- AMR occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. Antimicrobial resistant organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants and the environment (in water, soil and air).
- They can spread from person to person or between people and animals, including from food of animal origin.
- WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
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Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.
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Drivers of antimicrobial resistance
- The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include
- the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
- lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals
- poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms
- poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics
- lack of awareness and knowledge
- lack of enforcement of legislation
Reason behind increasing antimicrobials in aquaculture
- Sale of antimicrobials in bulk quantities to aquaculture farmers, particularly shrimp aquaculture, is a serious concern.
- India is one of the world’s largest shrimp exporters, and in addition to health risks posed by antibiotic-laden food, there have been instances of rejection of shrimp consignments from India due to antibiotic detection.
