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.

Prescriptions.

Antibiotic treatment records.

Antibiotic load calculations.

Actions or measures aimed to reduce antibiotic use.

Antibiotic treatments and accuracy of antibiotic load calculation:

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.

The use of CIA is not allowed unless they are the only possible treatment option and there is no indication of resistance.

If CIA are used, the decision should be documented.

Veterinary considerations for the use of CIA and resistance testing.

Luthman, O., Robb, D.H.F., Henriksson, P.J.G., J∅rgensen, P.S. & Troell, M. (2024) Global overview of national regulations for antibiotic use in aquaculture production. Aquaculture International.

Responsible Use of Medicines In Agriculture Alliance (2004) Responsible use of antimicrobials in fish production. RUMA Alliance Guidelines 21pp.

It is recommended that bioassays are carried out prior to the start of any antiparasitic treatment:

In acute cases, treatment might need to be started immediately to avoid animal suffering or the spread of infection. It is still advisable to collect samples immediately prior to the start of treatment:

Health reports.

Testing results.

Revision and discussion of disease surveillance and monitoring programmes.

Especially for those parasitic infectious where limited laboratory tests are available or where parasites are fastidious and difficult to grow.

For recurring parasitic infections, the site should demonstrate efforts to characterise and test them periodically (at least on a cyclical basis) for antiparasitic resistance.

Existence of health reports and testing results.

Disease surveillance and monitoring programmes.

Awareness of the epidemiological situation at a regional level may be relevant.

It is recommended that antibiotic sensitivity testing is carried out prior to the start of any antibiotic treatment:

Other laboratory tests should be considered if deemed appropriate. In acute cases, treatment might need to be initiated immediately to avoid animal suffering or the spread of infection. It is still advisable to collect samples immediately prior to the start of treatment:

Health reports.

Testing results.

Revision and discussion of disease surveillance and monitoring programmes.

For recurring bacterial infections, the site should demonstrate efforts to isolate and characterise the problematic strains and test them periodically (at least on a cyclical basis) for antibiotic resistance.

Existence of health reports and testing results.

Disease surveillance and monitoring programmes.

Especially for those bacterial infectious where limited laboratory tests are available or where bacteria are fastidious and difficult to grow.

For recurring bacterial infections, the site should demonstrate efforts to isolate and characterise the problematic strains and test them periodically (at least on a cyclical basis) for antibiotic resistance.

Probiotics are living microbial cells that help improve the natural immunity level and positively impact animal growth and reproduction.

Probiotics are often used in aquaculture, agriculture or food products. If they harbour antimicrobial-resistant genes, these could transfer to harmful bacteria in humans, animals, or the environment, posing public health risks.

Bacteria in probiotics can share resistance genes with pathogenic bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, worsening the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem.

Registration and maintenance of detailed records of the source and strain of probiotics used are relevant to:

Records:

Adequate probiotic source and strain knowledge and cross-checking with use records.

Okeke, E.S., Chukwudozie, K.I., Nyaruaba, R., et al (2022) Antibiotic resistance in aquaculture and aquatic organisms: a review of current nanotechnology applications for sustainable management. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

When using non-therapeutants:

Verification of product registration or approval.

Records:

Adequate level of knowledge related to product registration or approval and cross-checking with use records.

A registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional must confirm possible causes for antibiotic treatment procedures, e.g. a diagnosed bacterial infection.

Metaphylactic use of antibiotics is allowed if a veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional diagnoses a bacterial infection in the stock and prescribes treatment for the animals in contact with sick animals.

Health report.

Testing results that prove the diagnosis of a bacterial infection.

Records:

The qualifications of the veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional and cross-check the records.

Recommendations or actions discussed.

Existence of health reports and testing results.

Log of medication events.

Bondad-Reantaso, M.G., MacKinnon, B., Karunasagar, I., et al (2023) Review of alternatives to antibiotic use in aquaculture. Reviews In Aquaculture.