The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in fish farming is posing a growing threat to food safety, the environment, and public health, researchers at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) have warned.
The caution was issued by Dr. Seyramsarah B. Setufe, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Water Resources at UENR, during an interview with the media on the sidelines of the opening session of a research project and stakeholders’ engagement organised by the University’s School of Natural Resources at Fiapre near Sunyani.
According to Dr. Setufe, findings from a research conducted by the University revealed that many fish farmers routinely apply antibiotics directly into fish ponds and water bodies to control bacterial infections affecting their farms, a practice she described as dangerous with far-reaching consequences.
She explained that the research uncovered widespread misuse of antibiotics by fish farmers whenever disease outbreaks occur on their farms.
“From our research, we found out that our fish farmers, whenever they have health issues on their farms, they use antibiotics indiscriminately, pouring them directly into their ponds and water bodies just to combat fish bacterial diseases.” She stated.
Dr. Setufe noted that the contaminated water from fish ponds is eventually discharged into the environment, while the fish raised under such conditions are later consumed by humans, exposing consumers to antibiotic residues.
She explained that these antibiotic residues gradually accumulate in the human body, increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and making commonly prescribed medicines less effective.
“Over time, these water bodies and the effluents are discharged into the environment, and we humans, innocently or ignorantly, consume these fish. The antibiotics bioaccumulate in our bodies, so that when we later develop bacterial infections and visit hospitals, prescribed antibiotics such as oxytetracycline and amoxicillin may no longer work effectively.” She said.
She stressed that the medicines themselves are not ineffective but rather the human body develops resistance after prolonged exposure to antibiotic residues through contaminated food.
Dr. Setufe called for responsible antibiotic use in aquaculture and urged fish farmers to seek professional veterinary guidance instead of resorting to indiscriminate medication. She also advocated stronger regulatory oversight, continuous farmer education, and the adoption of sustainable fish health management practices to protect both the aquaculture industry and public health.
The stakeholders’ engagement formed part of a research initiative by the School of Natural Resources aimed at promoting responsible aquaculture practices and addressing emerging environmental and food safety challenges associated with fish production in Ghana.
Source: Newspyramid.com
