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58 Aquaculture//

Experts hope that this tripartite partnership will add
tremendous value in strengthening and tackling the AMR
issue.

Pathways of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes from closed and open
aquaculture systems into the water and sediment environmental resistome.
(Source: Watts and Lanska et al. 2017)

There is also the problem of residues in seafood, caused by
the injudicious use of antimicrobials. This presents a hazard
to public health either through the consumption of seafood
containing residues or by handling of products containing
residues. The consequences of antimicrobial resistance in
bacteria may include an increased number of infections in
humans, frequency of treatment failures, severity of infection,
as well as higher cost of living.
FAO global coordinated action

As AMR is not a stand-alone issue and it is not restricted
to a single country, nation or sector, actions in isolation will Photo Credit- FAO
not produce any good results for the long run. Recognising
this, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is playing a Specific recommendations: the way
leading role in coordinating global activities together with the forward
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Health
Organisation (WHO) to address the global threat of AMR. • Establish an independent regulatory authority
for aquatic animal health and maintain strong
The Global Action Plan on AMR with contributions from coordination with human health, animal health,
the FAO and OIE, was adopted during the 68 World Health plant production, environment and food and feed
th
Assembly (the decision-making body of the WHO) in May safety organisations;
2015. The World Assembly of the OIE adopted the strategy • Registration of aquatic animal health professionals
in May 2015 and the 39 FAO Conference adopted the to increase extension services and create awareness
th
Resolution 4/2015 in June 2016. To support implementation on the unauthorised prescription of antimicrobials
of this Resolution, the FAO has developed an Action Plan on in aquaculture;
AMR focused on the following areas: building awareness • State fisheries departments to publish a List of
in national/regional/international fora; surveillance and Bacterial Diseases with respect to economic and
monitoring on AMU and AMR; preparing Best Practice Guides zoonotic importance;
for Shrimp, Tilapia and Carp; and to assist state governments to • State fisheries departments to publish a List of
develop National Action Plans on AMR. A political declaration Approved Aquatic Animal Drugs;
was also made during a high level meeting on AMR at the 71
st
UN General Assembly in September 2016. • Publish a List of appropriate dosages for aquatic
6
animal health drugs against specific pathogens to
Working together to achieve the “One Health Program” in stop abuse and overuse of antimicrobials;
a tripartite arrangement the FAO, OIE, and WHO agreed to • Establish national aquatic animal disease diagnostic
step up joint action to combat health threats associated with laboratories for the detection of pathogens and
interactions between humans, animals and the environment. quick response during disease outbreaks;

INFOFISH International 3/2020 ● www.infofish.org