Indicator 4.4.16

When the UoC has a history of using antibiotics, they shall reduce the antibiotic load over time and shall demonstrate measures being taken to achieve this reduction.
Antibiotic load reduction is evaluated by comparing the last 6 years or cycles prior to the audit. For the first 6 audits, comparisons can be made with 1 to 5 years or cycles before the audit.
The target would be to decrease antibiotic use until a situation is reached where treatments are only sporadic. Sporadic means that treatments are not required every year or every production cycle. ASC emphasises the importance of improved prevention strategies and reduced dependency on antibiotics.
This approach reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major concern and aligns with the ‘One Health’ framework, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment.

Antibiotic treatments and accuracy of antibiotic load calculation:
- Implementation can be confirmed by cross-checking the treatment records and information from employee interviews and observations.

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquauclure Science (2020) One Health Aquaculture — Marine Science. Blog
Milijasevic M, Veskovic-Moracanin S, Babic Milijasevic J, Petrovic J, Nastasijevic I. (2024) Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture: Risk Mitigation within the One Health Context. Foods.