Typology of interventions for antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture systems in low- and middle-income countries

Indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in aquaculture to treat and prevent diseases is common and can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant micro-organisms, potentially impacting public health and connected ecosystems. This study aimed to develop a typology to classify and characterise interventions to reduce AMU in aquaculture and identify points of action. Seventeen aquaculture and animal health professionals in Asian and African countries were interviewed to gather information on characteristics of interventions in different contexts to develop a typology. Seven types of interventions were defined: (i) legislation and regulations; (ii) industry rules and standards; (iii) voluntary instruments; (iv) commercial technology and alternatives to antimicrobials; (v) on-farm management; (vi) learning and awareness-raising; and (vii) activities with co-benefits. Types were based on intervention function, scope of implementation, implementer, compulsion, strength of the intervention, AMU/antimicrobial resistance (AMR) objective and stakeholder to influence. For each type, examples were described and discussed. The most common interventions to address AMU and AMR were legislative and regulatory frameworks and voluntary instruments, including National Action Plans. Interventions addressing AMU/AMR specifically were scarce. Other interventions focused on indirect effect pathways to AMU and AMR reduction aiming to improve good aquaculture practices, disease prevention and improved management. Monitoring and evaluation of these interventions were found to be rare, only present for interventions driven by development projects and international agencies. The presented typology of existing strategies and interventions addressing AMU/AMR in aquaculture systems can guide evaluation of AMR-sensitive interventions that promote responsible AMU, and informs the design and implementation of future interventions.

Perceived socio-economic impacts of the marbled crayfish invasion in Madagascar

The negative environmental and economic impacts of many invasive species are well known. However, given the increased homogenization of global biota, and the difficulty of eradicating species once established, a balanced approach to considering the impacts of invasive species is needed. The marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) is a parthenogenetic freshwater crayfish that was first observed in Madagascar around 2005 and has spread rapidly. We present the results of a socio-economic survey (n = 385) in three regions of Madagascar that vary in terms of when the marbled crayfish first arrived. Respondents generally considered marbled crayfish to have a negative impact on rice agriculture and fishing, however the animals were seen as making a positive contribution to household economy and food security. Regression modeling showed that respondents in regions with longer experience of marbled crayfish have more positive perceptions. Unsurprisingly, considering the perception that crayfish negatively impact rice agriculture, those not involved in crayfish harvesting and trading had more negative views towards the crayfish than those involved in crayfish-related activities. Food preference ranking and market surveys revealed the acceptance of marbled crayfish as a cheap source of animal protein; a clear positive in a country with widespread malnutrition. While data on biodiversity impacts of the marbled crayfish invasion in Madagascar are still completely lacking, this study provides insight into the socio-economic impacts of the dramatic spread of this unique invasive species. “Biby kely tsy fantam-piaviana, mahavelona fianakaviana” (a small animal coming from who knows where which supports the needs of the family). Government worker Analamanga, Madagascar.

Using systems thinking and open innovation to strengthen aquaculture policy for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In a world of 9 billion people and a widening income gap between the rich and poor, it is time to rethink how aquaculture can strengthen its contribution to the second UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of zero hunger in our generation. The disparity in the level of sustainable aquaculture development at present, between and within countries, especially regarding human access to farmed aquatic food remains highly variable across the globe. This paper offers a fresh look at the opportunities from using systems thinking and new open innovation measuring tools to grow sustainable aquaculture. Political will in many nations is the main constraint to aquaculture in realising its potential as an: accessible source of micronutrients and nutritious protein; aid to meeting conservation goals; economic prosperity generator where benefits extend to locals and provider of indirect social benefits such as access to education and well-being, among others. Resources to enable strong partnerships (SDG 17) between academia, civic society, government and industry should be prioritised by governments to build a sustainable aquatic food system, accessible to all, forever.

Offshore finfish aquaculture in the United States: An examination of federal laws that could be used to address environmental and occupational public health risks

Half of the world’s edible seafood comes from aquaculture, and the United States (US) government is working to develop an offshore finfish aquaculture industry in federal waters. To date, US aquaculture has largely been regulated at the state level, and creating an offshore aquaculture industry will require the development of a new regulatory structure. Some aquaculture practices involve hazardous working conditions and the use of veterinary drugs, agrochemicals, and questionable farming methods, which could raise environmental and occupational public health concerns if these methods are employed in the offshore finfish industry in the US. This policy analysis aims to inform public health professionals and other stakeholders in the policy debate regarding how offshore finfish aquaculture should be regulated in the US to protect human health; previous policy analyses on this topic have focused on environmental impacts. We identified 20 federal laws related to offshore finfish aquaculture, including 11 that are relevant to preventing, controlling, or monitoring potential public health risks. Given the novelty of the industry in the US, myriad relevant laws, and jurisdictional issues in an offshore setting, federal agencies need to work collaboratively and transparently to ensure that a comprehensive and functional regulatory structure is established that addresses the potential public health risks associated with this type of food production.

[Obtaining sturgeon spawn in accordance with the German Pharmaceuticals Act]

Obtaining sturgeon spawn in aquaculture is carried out with different objectives. Sturgeons are increasingly used for ornamental purposes or to serve as food. Previously, sturgeon roe was obtained primarily by surgical opening of the abdomen or during slaughter. Recently, in aquaculture roe has been increasingly produced by stripping off the eggs. In this new method it is necessary to synchronize spawn production by stimulating the fish through hormone usage. Therefore, the complete egg package can be taken from the fish, which avoids resorption disorders. This article discusses how this method can be evaluated from the perspective of drug law.

The impact and control of biofouling in marine aquaculture: a review

Biofouling in marine aquaculture is a specific problem where both the target culture species and/or infrastructure are exposed to a diverse array of fouling organisms, with significant production impacts. In shellfish aquaculture the key impact is the direct fouling of stock causing physical damage, mechanical interference, biological competition and environmental modification, while infrastructure is also impacted. In contrast, the key impact in finfish aquaculture is the fouling of infrastructure which restricts water exchange, increases disease risk and causes deformation of cages and structures. Consequently, the economic costs associated with biofouling control are substantial. Conservative estimates are consistently between 5-10% of production costs (equivalent to US$ 1.5 to 3 billion yr(-1)), illustrating the need for effective mitigation methods and technologies. The control of biofouling in aquaculture is achieved through the avoidance of natural recruitment, physical removal and the use of antifoulants. However, the continued rise and expansion of the aquaculture industry and the increasingly stringent legislation for biocides in food production necessitates the development of innovative antifouling strategies. These must meet environmental, societal, and economic benchmarks while effectively preventing the settlement and growth of resilient multi-species consortia of biofouling organisms.

Impacts of unregulated harvesting on a recovering stock of native oysters (Ostrea edulis)

In Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland stocks of Ostrea edulis collapsed in the 1890s and the species was rarely recorded again until 1998 when the wild stock was estimated to be 100,000. The stock increased to 1.2 million in 2003 but declined to 650,000 by 2005. In 2007 the stock exceeded 1 million. The initial recovery of wild stocks is attributed to the combined effects of spawning commercial O. edulis stocks of and larval retention due to local hydrography. The stock decline between 2003 and 2005 is attributed to unregulated harvesting. Significant differences in abundances between sites over this period may be explained by the exploitation of more-readily accessible sites initially and of less accessible sites later. Oysters at sites where there was minimal exploitation probably contributed to widespread recruitment in 2007. Sustainable management of recovering native oyster stocks in Strangford Lough and elsewhere and will be impossible without appropriate legislation and enforcement.

British Columbia's fish health regulatory framework's contribution to sustainability goals related to salmon aquaculture

Salmon farming is a significant contribution to the global seafood market to which the goal of sustainability is often applied. Diseases related to farms are perhaps the most contentious issues associated with sustainable salmon farming. We reviewed literature and policies in British Columbia, Canada, as well as interviewed key informants to examine how fish health regulations do or could support sustainability goals. We found four main obstacles to the development and application of a sustainability-based health management system. First, salmon farming faced the same challenges as other industries when trying to establish an operational definition of sustainability that captures all stakeholders' interests. Second, there was no program responsible for integrating the various regulations, responsible departments, and monitoring efforts to develop a comprehensive view of sustainability. Third, there was inadequate research base and social consensus on the criteria that should be used to track health outcomes for sustainability purposes. Fourth, the regulatory and management paradigm for salmon farming has been focused on diseases and pathogens as opposed to embracing a more inclusive health promotion model that includes biotic, abiotic, and social determinants of health. A transparent and inclusive participatory process that effectively links expert views with community and industry concerns should serve as the foundation for the next generation of health management regulations for salmon farming.

Cooperation between veterinary and fisheries authorities in aquatic animal management in Sri Lanka

The need for effective cooperation between the Veterinary and Fisheries Authorities in the field of aquatic animal health is widely accepted in Sri Lanka. International organisations have requested Sri Lanka to develop a model to promote this cooperation. With no tradition of aquaculture, Sri Lanka ventured into commercial aquaculture only a few decades ago. Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS), monodon baculovirus and white spot syndrome virus are the only OIE recognized diseases reported. Responsibility for disease diagnosis, the implementation of preventive and control measures and certification is held by three institutions: the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), the National Aquatic Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH). The National Centre for Disease Diagnosis and Health Management in Aquaculture is at the University of Peradeniya. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act (No.2 of 1996), the Animal Diseases Act (No. 59 of 1992), the Animal Feeds Act of 1986 and the Aquaculture Management (Disease Control) Regulations 2000 provide the legislative framework for aquatic health issues. Coordination among the institutions involved in aquatic health management is inadequate and there is no proper policy and strategy for promoting aquatic health. Surveillance programs and epidemiological studies are also inadequate. A new structure has been proposed for better coordination between Veterinary and Fisheries Authorities in Sri Lanka to encourage all stakeholders in aquatic health control to participate in a coordinated effort. This new initiative will not only promote cooperation between Veterinary and Fisheries authorities but also strengthen the national aquatic animal health network.

Brazilian aquatic animal health policy

The potential for the development of aquaculture in Brazil is huge. Marine shrimp cultivation in Brazil began in the 1970s and grew rapidly to produce 90,190 tons in 2003. In 2004, several factors including disease, trade disputes, and devaluation of the Real caused the industry to collapse. The appearance of white spot disease demonstrated a lack of structure and organisation for responding to the problems involved in managing disease outbreaks. Interaction between the stakeholders involved needs to be organised and facilitated. Dissemination of information and economical stability are necessary for maintaining good practices and the sanitary security of production.

The political ecology of health: perceptions of environment, economy, health and well-being among ‘Namgis First Nation

Informed by Mayer's (Progr. Hum. Geogr 20 (1996) 441) political ecology of disease framework, this paper investigates First Nation's perceptions of the links between environment, economy and health and well-being. A case study of 'Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada) is used to explore the risks and benefits of salmon aquaculture for British Columbia's First Nations. Analysis of interview data (n = 23) indicates strong links between reduced access to environmental resources, marginal participation in the economy, and declining community health and well being. Results suggest that aquaculture development has further decreased the community's access to environmental resources, thereby restricting those economic, social, and cultural activities that determine good health and well-being for this community.

Mangroves, Fishponds, and the Quest for Sustainability

Aquaculture, the farming of shrimp and other useful aquatic and marine plants and animals in artificially confined and tended ponds, pens, and cages, ranks as a phenomenal success story in global food production. In 1975, aquaculture contributed 8% to the overall yield of the world's fish harvest; now it provides more than one-third of the yield. Total aquaculture production in 2003 was 54.8 million metric tons valued at 67.3 billion in U.S. dollars. More than 90% of this output comes from Asia, where aquaculture has its origins and where this month's essay author has lived and worked all of her life. In her essay, Jurgenne H. Primavera, senior scientist of the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center based in Iloilo, Central Philippines, traces the recent history of aquaculture and the socioeconomic and environmental challenges that its rapid growth has wrought, especially for the mangrove ecosystems in which much of brackishwater pond aquaculture occurs. With an eye on all stakeholders, Primavera lays out how aquaculture is now falling short of the goal of sustainability and what steps might be taken to move the industry in that direction.

Challenges with the development and approval of pharmaceuticals for fish

With an increase in consumer recognition of the health benefits associated with seafood consumption, the volume of fisheries and aquaculture products consumed by the average American is expected to rise. With a concomitant expectation for high-quality products, aquaculture is likely to become a greater source of consumed fish. As the United States aquaculture industry grows, so does the need to provide veterinary services. As with any intensive farming system, appropriate medications are needed to maintain animal health and to manage fish populations. This article introduces some of the challenges associated with drug approvals for aquatic species and describes how the process of development and regulation of drugs for use in aquatic animals differs from that associated with uses in terrestrial species.

DNA vaccines for aquacultured fish

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccination is based on the administration of the gene encoding the vaccine antigen, rather than the antigen itself. Subsequent expression of the antigen by cells in the vaccinated hosts triggers the host immune system. Among the many experimental DNA vaccines tested in various animal species as well as in humans, the vaccines against rhabdovirus diseases in fish have given some of the most promising results. A single intramuscular (IM) injection of microgram amounts of DNA induces rapid and long-lasting protection in farmed salmonids against economically important viruses such as infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV). DNA vaccines against other types of fish pathogens, however, have so far had limited success. The most efficient delivery route at present is IM injection, and suitable delivery strategies for mass vaccination of small fish have yet to be developed. In terms of safety, no adverse effects in the vaccinated fish have been observed to date. As DNA vaccination is a relatively new technology, various theoretical and long-term safety issues related to the environment and the consumer remain to be fully addressed, although inherently the risks should not be any greater than with the commercial fish vaccines that are currently used. Present classification systems lack clarity in distinguishing DNA-vaccinated animals from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which could raise issues in terms of licensing and public acceptance of the technology. The potential benefits of DNA vaccines for farmed fish include improved animal welfare, reduced environmental impacts of aquaculture activities, increased food quality and quantity, and more sustainable production. Testing under commercial production conditions has recently been initiated in Canada and Denmark.

Obtaining access to coastal areas for large-scale mussel farming: obstacles and possibilities

Eutrophication in the coastal waters of the northern part of the Swedish west coast is causing structural and functional changes to the coastal ecosystems. Large-scale mussel farming is proposed in the Program of Measures, required by the EU Water Framework Directive to reduce the nutrients in the coastal water and improve water quality over a transition period of 10-20 years. Ownership, land parcelling, conflicts of interest, and the protection of coastal water are obstructing accessibility to suitable water areas for the establishment of mussel farming plants. This paper studies the obstacles and possibilities in the relevant laws and legal regulations governing the accessibility to coastal waters for large-scale mussel farming. Alternative ways to solve the problem are shown and discussed, within the framework of the Planning and Building Act, the Environmental Code and the laws concerning land-parceling and property. It is shown that the Planning and Building Act, when used in a proper manner, can provide useful instruments for society to gain access to coastal water for mussel farming plants with the purpose of improving the ecological status of the water.

The regulatory system for aquaculture in the Republic of Ireland

The control of aquaculture in the Republic of Ireland falls under a number of different legislative codes and, consequently, responsibility for the regulation of the industry is divided between a number of ministers and state agencies. The principal responsibility lies with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The 1997 Fisheries Act was framed to replace an outdated regulatory system with one which would enjoy the confidence of a rapidly expanding industry and of all other relevant interests, in particular by establishing an independent authority for the determination of aquaculture license appeals. Powers in relation to the authorisation and control of medicines are shared between the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Health, while local authorities are responsible for planning permission and discharge licenses in respect of land-based facilities.

Guidelines for development and application of aquatic animal health regulations and control programs. AVMA Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee

The creation of sound health regulations or disease control programs for any animal species is a complex endeavor. When the diverse stakeholder interests related to aquaculture are considered, this endeavor becomes daunting. The AVMA Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee designed the following guidelines as a tool to assist aquatic animal health professionals who discuss potential regulations or control programs with government and industry entities. The guide focuses on determining whether a regulation or program is appropriate and, if so, developing a suitable and effective aquatic animal health plan. The Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee was established in 1992 as an ad hoc committee of the AVMA Executive Board. The committee is composed of 9 veterinarians with diverse interests in aquaculture and seafood, and one non-veterinarian who represents the aquaculture industry. Participants from the USDA/APHIS and FDA serve as consultants to the Committee.

Public health issues in aquaculture

The authors address the public health issues associated with the consumption of aquacultural products using numerous examples from the United States of America. As with other foods, public health risks exist but these mostly involve open water environments or products which are consumed raw or undercooked. Unlike wild fisheries, inland aquaculture systems can minimise public health risks by proper site evaluation and good aquacultural practices. Responsible use of pesticides and therapeutants can prevent violative residues to assure product safety and wholesomeness. The implementation of hazard analysis and critical control point regulations will further enhance the preventive approach to hazards control. The most challenging public health risks arise from shellfish production in open, surface waters, where both naturally-occurring and trace environmental residue contaminants can bioaccumulate in tissues and may cause disease outbreaks (and, in severe cases, death). Water quality certification programmes and field surveillance efforts including product sampling, testing and monitoring can address critical safety criteria. This paper focuses primarily on public health risks associated with production: however, the fact that consumer risks also occur as a result of the processing of aquacultural products and that foodborne diseases arise additionally from unsanitary handling or preparation and storage at incorrect temperatures (as is the case for food products from other animals) must also be taken into consideration.

Major viral diseases affecting fish aquaculture in Spain

The number of viruses isolated from fish has grown in the last few years as a reflection of the increasing interest in fish diseases, particularly those occurring in aquaculture facilities. Of all the described viruses, only a few are considered to be of serious concern and economic importance; they are described in this review, drawing special attention to the four families of viruses (Birnaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Iridoviridae and Reoviridae) that have been reported in Spanish aquaculture. Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, a member of the first family, is the most spread virus with a prevalence of 39%. Viral diseases are untreatable and because effective and safe vaccines for fish are not yet commercially available, a great care needs to be exercised when moving fish or eggs from one site or country to another. Some fish health control regulations have been legislated in Europe and USA.

Animal health and the trade in aquatic animals within and to the European Union

The creation of a single European market has significantly extended the scope of veterinary animal and public health legislation. This extension includes aquatic animals, and a comprehensive set of directives and decisions has been developed to ensure free circulation of aquaculture animals and their products, while guaranteeing a high level of animal health. At the same time, and in the same context, other directives have been adopted which organise checks on animals and products within and to the European Union (EU), as well as accompanying financial measures. Animal health legislation for the movement of aquaculture animals is also based on a number of principles, including the following: --the definition of important pathogens and their hosts --zoning (regionalisation)--the obligation for EU Member States to move animals only from areas or farms with high health status to and between areas and farms with equal or lower health status--the prescription of a testing regime to improve animal health status in zones or farms. In addition, disease control prescriptions have been established or are being considered for adoption. These include the establishment of national and EU reference laboratories, as well as the application of contingency plans and the measures to be taken in the event of a disease outbreak.

Review of disease control in aquaculture in the Republic of South Africa

The disease control measures in respect of domestic and wildlife aquatic species in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) are shared between two Directorates in the Department of Agriculture. The Directorate of Animal Health is responsible for disease control measures in respect of Salmonidae, while the Directorate of Plant and Quality Control regulates the introduction of exotic and unwanted aquatic species into the RSA. The activities and interests of commercial aquaculture are coordinated through the South African Aquaculture Organization and a national coordinating committee under the control of the national Department of Agriculture. Four diseases of trout are notifiable under the terms of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), namely viral haemorrhagic septicaemia, infectious pancreatic necrosis, infectious haematopoietic necrosis and bacterial kidney disease. The zoosanitary measures in respect of these diseases require State intervention after detection of occurrence. Sampling procedures for the diagnosis of diseases, maintenance of the disease-free status of trout farms accredited for export purposes and requirements for the import of ova are based on the standards recommended in the International Aquatic Animal Health Code of the Office International des Epizooties. Zoosanitary control of other aquatic species not related to aquaculture--especially ornamental fish--may be unnecessary. An embargo, through existing legislation on the importation of unwanted species, has been the only means of protecting inland species. The author concludes by evaluating the need for, and the feasibility of, additional legislation for the zoosanitary control of other aquatic species.

Synopsis of freshwater aquaculture legislation in Germany since national reunification

Under German law, federal ministries are responsible for preparing legislation, while federal states (Länder) are responsible for applying the legislation. The author describes the system, contrasting it with the situation in former East Germany, where preparation and application of legislation were controlled centrally. The author also describes the various inland water fisheries Acts and regulations of the federal states of former West Germany which apply to aquaculture. There is a discussion of the impact on German freshwater aquaculture of the Federal Water Act, the Waste Water Levies Act, the Nature Conservation and Protection Act, the Conservation of Species Regulation, the Animal Welfare Act, the Fisheries Acts of the Länder, the Drug Act, the Animal Epidemic Act and the Fish Epidemics Regulation. The impact of this legislation varies considerably, and the extent of application is discussed. The economic changes in freshwater fish production are briefly summarised and their causes analysed.

Chilean legislation for the control of diseases of aquatic species

The Political Constitution of Chile establishes the right of the people to live in an environment which is free from contamination. The State has a duty to uphold this right and to preserve nature. With the aim of reconciling this constitutional guarantee with the pursuit of profitable economic activities, the concept of 'sustainable development' has been promoted. This mechanism makes it possible to use natural resources and the environment in a rational, effective and efficient manner both at present and in the future, and led to the promulgation of the General Law of Fisheries and Aquaculture No. 18,892 of 6 September 1991 and its amendments. This law regulates national fisheries and aquaculture activities throughout the country, and contains eleven regulations applicable to aquaculture. These regulations form a complete procedure of action relevant to the importation of aquatic species, to applicants for aquaculture concessions and authorisations, to the operation of these concessions and authorisations, and to ocean ranching systems. Due to the complexity of these regulations, important rules are still under study, while the remaining texts come into force on 1 September 1996. Formulating these rules involves consideration of current national and international regulations, the experience of farmers, the results of technical and scientific research, and bibliographical data. These regulations will form the cornerstone of Children aquaculture policy in confronting the challenges of the next century.

Importation of aquaculture seedlings to Japan

Japan is one of the largest consumers of fishery products in the world. Importation of various fishery commodities - including larvae and eggs for aquaculture - is increasing due to high consumer demand. Elvers of Anguilla anguilla have been imported from Europe since the late 1960s. Eyed eggs of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are imported from North America. During the last decade, over-production caused the price of Japanese amberjack (or 'yellowtail') (Seriola quinqueradiata) and Japanese seabream (Pagrus major) to drop, forcing farmers to venture into the culture of other species. A variety of marine fish seedlings are now imported from Asian countries. Almost all aquaculture production of coho salmon, greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus), rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and groupers (Epinephlus septemfaciatus, etc.) depends on imported seedlings. These species accounted for approximately 9% by value of marine finfish production in Japan in 1993. Apart from ubiquitous or endemic pathogens, a considerable number of exotic microorganisms and parasites are suspected to have accompanied fish eggs and larvae imported for aquaculture purposes. On a voluntary basis, 80-90% of imported salmon eggs are being examined for bacterial kidney disease and salmon viruses by semi-governmental organisation. Voluntary inspections are also being conducted on some other fish species imported from foreign countries. No legislation exists, however, for the control of exotic fish pathogens.

Special challenges of maintaining wild animals in captivity in North America

The maintenance of wild animals in captivity in North America is regulated by a number of different laws and government agencies in each country. Member institutions of zoo and aquarium associations in Canada, the United States of America and Mexico experience an extra tier of regulation in the form of industry standards, which are sometimes stricter than those imposed by government. Climate, natural disasters and harmful pest species all contribute to the challenge of keeping animals in certain locales. Vigilance against zoonotic disease transmission is maintained through industry and government-mandated sanitation standards, which are fortified by reporting regulations of local, regional and Federal health agencies. Current controversies in the keeping of particular taxa in North America include the threat to non-human primate breeding programmes precipitated by strict new import regulations, the fear of herpesvirus B infection, and commercial airline transport bans. Successive human fatalities among elephant handlers have prompted the industry and governments to re-examine the manner in which these potentially dangerous creatures are maintained in captivity.

Antimicrobials in shrimp aquaculture in the United States: regulatory status and safety concerns

The consumption of seafood, especially shrimp, increases yearly in the U.S. The U.S. is the second largest importer of shrimp in the world, consuming more than 11% of the total world production. Aquaculture is becoming an increasingly important source of the world's shrimp, currently accounting for approximately 30% of the world's supply. Unfortunately, in this era of international trade deficits, U.S. production of aquacultured shrimp is insignificant (< 0.1%) compared with world production. As shrimp aquaculture expands in the U.S., so does the use of intensive farming techniques. Shrimp aquaculture is like any other animal husbandry industry in that shrimp are subject to disease, especially under intensive farming methods. In penaeid shrimp, the primary diseases associated with mortalities are usually viral or bacterial. The majority of bacterial infections in penaeid shrimp are attributable to Vibrio species, with mortalities ranging from insignificant to 100%. However, the rapid growth of this industry has outpaced efforts by researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and federal regulatory agencies to provide approved therapeutants for shrimp disease management. Approval of drugs and their surveillance for compliance with regulations applicable to seafoods, including aquacultured goods, is the responsibility of the FDA. There are three general areas of concern regarding human health when chemotherapeutants are used in aquaculture: (1) residues of drugs in fish destined for human consumption; (2) development of drug resistance in human pathogenic bacteria; and (3) direct toxic effects to humans from handling of drugs. Currently, there are no antibacterials approved for shrimp aquaculture in the U.S. One of the major obstacles in the development and approval of new drugs for aquaculture is the cost of conducting the required studies. The high cost to pharmaceutical companies discourages investment in shrimp chemotherapeutant research, since the current U.S. market for such products is small. Unfortunately, the U.S. shrimp aquaculture industry will remain small without legal availability of chemotherapeutants. Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Romet-30 are two antibacterials currently approved in the U.S. for catfish and salmonid aquaculture. Shrimp aquaculture facilities outside of the U.S. routinely use these drugs, as well as others, in the treatment of bacterial disease outbreaks. Much of the work required for OTC approval by the FDA for penaeid shrimp has been completed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)