Working group AMR no. 4 (11 April 2017)Guidance on Best Practices in Aquaculture

Larry Hanson, Olga Haenen, Simon Wilkinsonhanson@cvm.msstate.edu; olga.haenen@wur.nl; simon@enaca.org

FMM/RAS/298: Strengthening capacities, policies and national action plans on prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in fisheries Workshop 2

in cooperation with Malaysia Department of Fisheries and INFOFISH7-9 August 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

OVERVIEW

Working group 4 (WG4) presented best practices in Aquaculture for minimizing AMR. After discussion it was suggested that Minimum Practices be highlighted as a starting point and methods for inclusion of small farmers be suggested.

MAJOR AREAS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Prevention, Biosecurity, Husbandry2. Diagnostics3. Therapy: drug prescription, prudent use of antimicrobials4. Zoonotic diseases : contact-zoonotic bacteria from aquaculture5. Awareness, education, communication, networking

PREVENTION, BIOSECURITY, HUSBANDRYRATIONALE: PREVENTING DISEASE REDUCES AMU ALSO BIOSECURITY CAN HELP REDUCE SPREAD OF PATHOGENS WITH AMR.

Prevention of diseases in general- avoidance, reduce stress, manage densities, use well formulated/fresh feeds, vaccinate and use disease resistant strains/species.Elements on AMR prevention in terms of prevention, biosecurity and husbandry: Avoid sources of pathogens with AMR (seed stock), environment, feed and avoid build up in system if antimicrobials are used by complete harvesting and disinfecting.

• RECOMMENDATIONS:Quality seed stock, feed and diagnostic services are critical components of disease prevention and avoidance of pathogens with AMR.

• Small scale farmers often do not have purchasing power to demand quality feed and stock but they can form farmer cooperatives to increase influence and participate in certification/licencing programs.

• The government should invest in education and training• Farms and cooperatives need to be registered and licensed assuring that personnel/

members are trained and following GAPs established by the industry and government.• Make information available on good fish (health certification), food, etc.• Subsidize new biosecurity initiatives to facilitate improvements in practice• Good aquaculture practices with extension material (clear national/FAO/OIE

guidelines)

DIAGNOSTICS RATIONALE: RAPID ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS IS NEEDED FOR PROPER AMU AND TO MONITOR AMR, REQUIRES TEAM WORK.

• Aquaculturist must recognize disease problem early before fish losses too high and fish off feed- feeding activity, shoaling, poor oxygen tolerance, increased birds, increased losses

• Disease outbreaks should to be diagnosed by an trained aquaculture health professional.

• Aquaculturist must provide critical information for diagnosis and for evaluating management options- Information depends on accurate records-• Fish source, stocking date and stocking density• feed sources and age• Feeding pattern, Changes in behaviour• Daily losses• Water parameters- temperature, changes in bloom, DO, aeration,

treatments

DIAGNOSIS- PRELIMINARYInvestigations should include • site examination to evaluate factors underlying the disease

outbreak.• Case history-A critical component of GAP is the logbook: The

fish health professional can review the history of the population and management assist in disease prevention in future.

• Necropsy including direct microscopy of diseased animal must be done and take samples for laboratory analysis.

• a preliminary diagnosis of the disease underlying factors are determined and immediate control measures are suggested.

• If the preliminary diagnosis is a bacterial disease and antibiotic use is warranted- prescription as well as instructions on the proper use of the drug is given to the aquaculturist. This must be followed by culture of the pathogen and antimicrobial testing.

DIAGNOSTICS• Microbiology- bacterial isolation, judgement on bacterial growth amount,

identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing in call cases where antimicrobials are prescribed.

• The fish health professional must interpret the laboratory findings and provide the important information to the aquaculturist:• Safe effective treatment- including withdrawal times, safe handling • Expectations on outcome and when a re-evaluation may be needed• Management and for prevention of future outbreaks

• Records should be maintained on diagnostic results, treatments and outcome

RECOMMENDATIONS:• Have training and certification for licensed veterinarians/aquaculture health professionals.• Producer and Fish health professional should have working relationship before disease

problems arise. • Guidance (simple guides with many pictures) and direct training needed for aquaculturists.

These guides should cover• When and what to samples are needed• What information is need, • How to take samples• How to contact fish health professional• What should be expected from the health professional.

• Have enough (regional) fish disease laboratories and skilled personnel (education, investment) to support field fish health professionals.

THERAPY: DRUG PRESCRIPTION, PRUDENT USE OF ANTIMICROBIALS

• Drug prescription should be based on a correct diagnosis, and only used to treat bacterial diseases (Not for disease prevention or growth promotion).

• Vets/aquaculture health field professionals: Treat specifically with known dose, target species, with proper use(avoid waste) and safe use (clothing etc.) of the antibiotic, including treatment times, and withdrawal times, and advise on prevention of disease.

• Only use if it can be supplied at the proper dose (fish must eat medicated feed in sufficient quantities to be therapeutic)

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Lists of approved antibiotics for use in aquaculture by species and disease and alternatives should be provided

• A list of illegal (banned) drugs must be made available as well as legal consequences for using these drugs.

• Fish health professional must be aware of cost, availability of drug and sources so producer can make an informed decision

ZOONOTIC DISEASES : CONTACT-ZOONOTIC BACTERIA FROM AQUACULTURE

• Aquaculturists, processors and farm workers must be aware human health risk from pathogens that are present on aquaculture facilities and products. They should be trained in use of good hygiene and in recognizing signs of a zoonotic disease.

• Training must include recognition of when a person is immune compromised and must avoid contact with an aquaculture facility.

• Medics should be aware of contact zoonosis acquired from fish or shellfish: contact between veterinarians and medics is crucial: One Health! Policy needed.

AWARENESS, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, NETWORKING

• Risks of improper use of antimicrobials and how this leads to AMR and consequences

• How these can be AMR prevented or reduced.• Safety for farm workers including chemicals and zoonosis.

RECOMMENDATIONS- AWARENESSSimple signage with pictures on facility for all workers and visitors

SAFETY• Safe use of chemicals including PPD• Risk awareness of zoonosis and recognition of infection• Recognition of immune compromised condition and the need to avoid production

water and fish

BIOSECURITY• Recognition of barriers• Disinfection protocols• Disposal and communication about dead fish

EDUCATION-TRAININGTraining should be required and documented

Aquaculture

Cooperatives- small scale farmers given training on safe use, biosecurity, disease recognition and zoonosis as part of certification

Larger operations-Workers must be trained in Safety and Zoonosis. Disease prevention and biosecurity according to job

Fish health professionals- Certification based on education, experience and proficiency testingRequires expertise in aquaculture, fish physiology, diagnosis and treatments

NETWORKING- Between and among aquaculturists, fish health professionals, extension and support industries

Critical for updating info and re-enforcing conceptsMeetings-• Professional and trade shows- national, international• Regional Commodity groups

Direct and small group• Routine Farm/cooperative visits by fish health professionals and extension

Activities should be recognize as CE in certifications