The significance of aquaculture as a source of high-quality nutrients and in supporting the economies of millions of people globally is undeniable. Given the remarkable growth of aquaculture in the region, and signs of misuse or overuse of antibiotics, there is rational concern about the contribution of aquaculture to AMR in the environment, and the consequences for environmental, animal, and human health.
As part of OIE World Antimicrobial Awareness Week activities, a regional webinar: “Responsible and prudent antimicrobial use in aquatic animals in Asia and the Pacific” was held on 16th November 2020. Via the post-webinar survey, participants requested the OIE to provide a platform for the Members to discuss the AMR/AMU issues in aquaculture. In response to this request from OIE Members, OIE organized the OIE Virtual Consultation Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use in Aquaculture to discuss the subject area(s), operational plan (regular meetings, communication mechanism) and expected outcome of future OIE activities relating to AMR/AMU in aquaculture.
