Antibiotics governance in aquaculture: knowledge, practices, and challenges among stakeholders on the Volta Lake in Ghana.

Introduction: The use and misuse of antibiotics for treating animal and human infections are a key driver of the emergence of resistant bacterial strains at the human-animal-environment interface. This inappropriate use threatens ecological balance and poses a significant risk to human health. The lack of relevant knowledge of the right attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial stewardship among fish farmers, antibiotic drug retailers, and government agencies has significantly exacerbated this serious environmental and public health issue. To enhance understanding and improve communication for the implementation of sound antimicrobial stewardship in the fish farming industry in Ghana, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of key stakeholders regarding the use of antibiotics in cage aquaculture on Volta Lake in Ghana.

Method: We conducted a qualitative field survey involving interviews, key informant discussions, and observations. The participants were veterinary drug retailers and government officials from the fisheries, aquaculture, and veterinary sectors to gather insights about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotics use in aquaculture. The study covered 40 respondents, comprising 18 veterinary drug retailers, 12 general pharmaceutical shop operators, five Fisheries Commission officials, and five government-trained veterinary personnel operating along the stratum II of the Volta Lake of Ghana. All quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using STATA and thematic analysis.

Results: The survey revealed that drug retailers possess limited knowledge, expertise, and education on the use of antibiotics in fish farming. It was found that drug sellers occasionally recommend treatment regimens to fish farmers based on observable symptoms associated with specific diseases. The results further revealed a lack of regulation in selling veterinary drugs to farmers. Government officials, on their part, strive to create awareness and educate farmers on the selection and appropriate use of antibiotics through routine quarterly inspections, thereby promoting best practices for cultivating healthy fish. Despite this, the results indicate insufficient coordination between government officials, drug retailers, and fish farmers regarding the usage of antibiotics in aquaculture on Lake Volta.

Discussion and conclusion: Regular joint training programs are encouraged to improve and enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices among government officials, veterinary drug retailers, and fish farmers. In addition, monitoring the activities of drug sellers and users, as well as fostering effective communication among all stakeholders, will significantly aid in reducing antibiotic use, misuse, and abuse in aquaculture. Under the One Health framework, efforts to integrate veterinary drug retailers, farmers, and other stakeholders of concern in antibiotic governance are required to address the increasing burden of antibiotic misuse and abuse in aquaculture in Ghana and the world.