The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has raised alarms over the persistent inappropriate use of antibiotics by fish farmers, despite repeated advisories highlighting the detrimental effects of such practices.
During an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness and education workshop held in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, Mr. Samuel Anzaku, the ministry’s Director of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, emphasized that the misuse of antibiotics not only threatens human health but also jeopardizes aquaculture sustainability and the broader ecosystem.
Organized with support from the Fleming Fund and the University of Liverpool, UK, in partnership with FMLD, the event brought together key players from the fish farming sector, including representatives from various farmers’ groups.
Mr. Anzaku highlighted the dangers of AMR in aquaculture, explaining that antibiotic-resistant bacteria originating from fish farms can be transmitted to humans through contaminated seafood and water sources.
He further elaborated that improper antibiotic application in fish farming fosters a reservoir of resistance genes, which may spread to other organisms, complicating the treatment of infections in humans. This scenario underscores the One Health approach, which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, and calls for urgent interventions to manage AMR risks within aquaculture.
According to him, reducing antibiotic misuse is crucial for ensuring safer fish production and safeguarding public health.
Adding to the discussion, Maureen Kajo-Kokoiwen, a Fleming Fund Fellow and programme coordinator, encouraged fish farmers to collaborate closely with veterinary professionals for accurate disease diagnosis and treatment, cautioning against the reliance on unverified remedies.
She warned that neglecting drug withdrawal periods endangers both consumers and the environment, stressing that antibiotic misuse is increasingly threatening food security and public health worldwide.
This awareness initiative forms part of a broader international campaign aimed at promoting the responsible administration of antimicrobials.
Expressing gratitude, Manasseh Usman, president of the Nasarawa Fish Farmers and Processors Association, commended the ministry’s efforts in launching the sensitization programme, noting its potential to protect consumers and enhance aquaculture practices.
He pledged to disseminate the knowledge gained to fellow fish farmers and the wider community across Nasarawa State.
