Abstract
Singapore’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) national strategic action plan includes inappropriate use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals as a specific priority. Although the use of antibiotics and other drugs are monitored by regulatory bodies, food fish farmers are allowed to buy and administer antimicrobials without a veterinary prescription. We conducted a qualitative study of Singaporean food fish farmers to understand patterns and determinants of antibiotic use, their knowledge of antibiotic resistance, as well as perceptions of on-farm infection prevention and control measures. During the interview, participants were asked about their farming processes, farm infrastructure, antibiotic use and any disease prevention measures. Thematic analysis of participants’ interviews showed that antibiotic for growth promotion and infection prevention was uncommon among local food fish farmers. The following three main themes influenced participants’ decisions to use antibiotics in their practice: 1) individual factors, 2) local regulatory factors as well as 3) market-related factors. Individual factors included their personal experience and knowledge both with antibiotics as well as with alternate options. In terms of local regulatory factors, we found that regular oversight was a strong deterrent in antibiotic use. Last, at the market level, the relatively high price of antibiotics in Singapore coupled with stiff competition was a strong disincentive for participants to use antibiotics in their farming practice. These factors were also influential in their relationships with local regulatory bodies as well as their counterparts. Although industries differ significantly across countries, lessons learnt from Singapore’s food fish farming demonstrate the importance of an environment where multi-dimensional factors come together to discourage the irrational use of antibiotics in food animal production. In addition, our results allow greater insight into food fish farmers’ perspectives on infection control and form a basis from which further research work can be undertaken.
Highlights
The aquaculture sector plays a crucial role in global food security
A few fish farmers reported using antibiotics as a last resort when their fish remained sick after trying other treatment methods
We found that the three following major themes contributed to their decision not to use antibiotics: 1) individual factors, 2) local regulatory factors and 3) market factors
Summary
The aquaculture sector plays a crucial role in global food security. Worldwide per capita fish consumption has increased dramatically in the past decades and has surpassed meat consumption from all terrestrial animals. Limited data are available on the type and amounts of antibiotic use in aquaculture, especially in developing countries where the majority of aquaculture production occurs [3]. In these settings, farmers who administer the antibiotics often lack awareness about the appropriate use of these drugs. A study conducted by Holmstrom et al [4] showed that a large proportion of shrimp farmers in Thailand used antibiotics prophylactically—either in the feed or through baths—some on a daily basis Another cross-sectional study conducted on freshwater aquaculture in Vietnam [5] indicated a general lack of knowledge about the purpose and proper usage of antibiotics by aquaculture farmers. Extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture can result in the development of reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in fish, aquatic animals as well as the aquatic environment, increasing potential adverse consequences for both humans and animals [6, 7]
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