Global Journal of Fisheries Science

Antibiotic use is rampant across freshwater and brackish-water farms. It is routinely used by farmers for disease treatment, prevention and control to maintain high productivity in farms. Antibiotic use and abuse in fish farms have raised concerns regarding public health, environmental sustainability, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study surveyed 60 farms (Grow-out and hatchery ponds) in Ijebu Ode Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study specifically evaluated the use/abuse of antibiotics among fish farmers, the different forms and types of antibiotics used by farmers, the mode of administration and the withdrawal periods of antibiotics used; using a well-structured questionnaire. In almost 50% of farms surveyed, different antibiotics were lavishly used for routine management. Evidence of antibiotic type and use was found on-site. The on-site production system is 100% earthen ponds. Antibiotics found included those not permitted, not labelled for use in aquaculture or mainly for use in humans; these are Oxytetracycline, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Gentamycin, Doxycycline, Ampicillin, and Streptomycin; with the usage frequencies of 28.4, 23.4, 8.3 and 3.3% respectively. Antibiotics found to be used in Eriwe Fish Farms with most forms of antibiotics being powdered and administration is through feed and/or water at incorrect measurement resulting in entire fish stocks exposure to antibiotics, including uninfected fish. About 58.4% of the farmers use antibiotics once a week, 16.6% use antibiotics twice a month, 25% use antibiotics once a month and 45% of the respondents sell infected fish even while being treated. At the same time, 25.5% of the respondents do not observe antibiotic withdrawal period. Several issues including poor technical knowledge such as misuse and overuse were evident. Developing sustainable fish farming practices that reduce antibiotic dependence, protect public health, and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics in aquaculture is important. It is important to promote responsible antibiotic use, raise awareness and implement appropriate regulations to safeguard public health, environmental well-being and a viable production of antibiotics in aquaculture.