The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has introduced a new guide that clarifies the legal framework regarding the use of antibiotics for treating fish, corals, and other invertebrates.
This guidance note aims to assist the industry in understanding its obligations concerning these vital medications and to ensure that trade contributes to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a significant threat to both human and animal health. The guide was developed by Scientific Support Officer Emily Maunder as part of her initiative to update and create new position statements for the trade association, helping the industry remain informed about legal standards. It specifically addresses current regulations on antibiotics, emphasizing that they should only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian, applicable to fish, corals, and other invertebrates. OATA are particularly keen to warn reef hobbyists against buying such substances from online sources.
Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee stated, “This new guidance document is part of our work started last year where we have reviewed all our industry and customer information and identified areas that needed new or updated material. Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a growing health concern so we felt it was a good time to release this guidance document so that businesses have a clear understanding of how they can use antibiotics within the aquatics industry. This is another example, along with our Biosecurity Guide and Risk Assessment tool, where OATA can help aquatic businesses play their part in acting responsibly. We all have a part in play to safeguard these important medications for both humans and animals into the future.”
The new guidance document, which includes a helpful Q&A section, is available here: https://ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/UK-Antibiotic-Regulations-an-explainer-Nov-2024.pdf
