Fisheries scientists call for antibiotic tests on fish and its products

Researchers in the fisheries sector has identified as on condition governments to adopt stringent checks against antibiotic residues in aquaculture and fish goods.

M M Prasad, Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Fisheries Technologies and Devika Pillai, Director of Analysis of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Experiments pointed out that the presence of antibiotic resistant germs in fishes, shell fishes which include shrimps and fish goods are expanding in an unhealthy way. They attributed the reason for this to the effluent release to water bodies and expanding organic and natural load.

They have been talking at a webinar on aquatic animal well being management for sustainable aquaculture, jointly organised by Kufos and the Condition Fisheries Department.

The webinar suggested adopting excellent screening practices for domestic fish and fish goods right before distribution against antibiotic residues and other contaminants as applied in the shrimp export section. The export-oriented shrimp field has stringent excellent checks and management practices in conditions of antibiotic residues, but the exact same has not been instituted on fish and shellfish goods meant for domestic intake.

In accordance to K.Riji John, Dean of Fisheries Faculty, Kufos, the requirement of antibiotic residues verify on fish seed and feed is additional applicable in Kerala because the Condition Govt is advertising and marketing aquaculture in all prospective water bodies as component of ‘Subikshakeralam’ project. Appropriate antibiotic residues verify on fish seed and feed is a make any difference of community well being worry.

The webinar also advised earning necessary the inclusion of seed and feed screening for antibiotic residues at condition and national levels to guarantee excellent by enacting and strictly implementing the Fish Seed and Feed Act.

All-around fifty fisheries researchers from a variety of study institutes participated in the webinar, which was inaugurated by the Condition Main Minister Pinarayi Vijayan through online video conference. The Condition Fisheries Minister J Mercykutti Amma presided. J K Jena, Deputy Director Basic, ICAR (Fisheries) shipped the keynote tackle.