Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture

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.

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.