Disease prevalence and use of veterinary antibiotics in land-based aquaculture in South Chattogram, Bangladesh: A matter of health concern

Abstract

Objective: The research was conducted to investigate the disease prevalence and use of veterinary antibiotics in land-based aquaculture for fish health management in South Chattogram, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using participatory rural appraisal tools such as market surveys, personal contact, and questionnaire interviews with 80 fish farmers, 10 technical officers from different pharmaceutical companies, and 10 chemical sellers from the South Chattogram Upazilas of Chakoria, Anwara, Lohagara, Banshkhali, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar. Results: A total of 37 brands belonging to 10 distinct antibiotic groups were identified. Erythromycin, sulfadyazine, trimethoprim (97.5%), and oxytetracycline (95%) were found to be the most commonly utilized antibiotics. Tilapia infection (91.25%) and Edwardsiellosis in pangas (80%) were the most encountered diseases. Mixed cultures of tilapia, carp, and pangas were the most common cultural practices. A number of limitations were found, including the farmer’s lack of knowledge on how to appropriately handle antibiotics that were incorporated into the research. Conclusion: The findings show that disease has become a common and rising concern in aquaculture, and without a formal diagnosis, farmers are using various antibiotics. The subsequent concern over antibiotic residues’ impact on the environment, animal, and human health demands extensive investigation to detect possible hazards in other parts of Bangladesh, specifically in south Chattogram.