Antibiotic Use in Salmon Hatchery Sparks Public Concern and Calls for Transparency
The recent revelation that Huon Aquaculture used antibiotics in its salmon hatchery on the River Derwent has sparked public concern and calls for transparency in Tasmania's freshwater hatcheries. The company deployed oxytetracycline to treat diseased salmon, raising questions about the lack of disclosure requirements for antibiotic use in freshwater facilities.
Despite more stringent rules applying to the antibiotic florfenicol in coastal marine fish farms, there are no current regulations mandating the disclosure of antibiotic use in freshwater hatcheries. This lack of transparency has led to criticism from independent upper house member Meg Webb, who argues that the public should not have to rely on voluntary disclosures from salmon companies.
The use of antibiotics in freshwater is rare, and Huon Aquaculture's decision to voluntarily disclose the incident to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was seen as proactive and transparent. However, the company's general manager, Depha Miedecke, acknowledged that the medication was given to two cohorts of fish over a 20-day period under veterinary advice, highlighting the importance of expert oversight and public confidence in the industry.
The World Health Organization has categorized oxytetracycline as a "highly important antimicrobial," but it also notes that antimicrobial resistance, caused by misuse and overuse, is a significant global health threat. This has led to calls from the Greens for the government to mandate real-time disclosures for all antibiotic use in Tasmanian waters, ensuring that the public is fully informed and that regulations are adhered to.
The industry's use of florfenicol, a different antibiotic, in coastal waters has been approved and is subject to real-time updates on salmon companies' websites. A monitoring system has been implemented to ensure baseline and regular testing, including the water column and wild fish. However, the public is advised to avoid consuming fish caught within three kilometers for 21 days to avoid antibiotic residue.
Health Minister Bridget Archer defended the industry's regulation, stating that antibiotic use is heavily regulated in Tasmania's agricultural and aquaculture industries. She expressed no concerns about public health risks related to antibiotic use, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure public health and safety.
