Antibiotics allowed in white fish

America’s Food and Dug Administration (FDA) has approved an antibiotic called for use in all freshwater-reared finfish. It is approved for use in all freshwater-reared warm water finfish at 15 mg/kg for the control of mortality due to streptococcal septicemia associated with Streptococcus iniae. This organism has been causing ‘significant economic losses’ in farm-raised fish of all species.

Aquaflor was developed specifically for aquaculture use, and its active ingredient – florfenicol – is not used in human medicine. The need for it must be a matter of some concern, since deaths from a wide range of diseases appear to have been widespread. Enteric septicemia is common in catfish, and freshwater-reared salmonids are prone to furunculosis associated with Aeromonas salmonicida.

Accuracy of dosage must be called into question. Aquaflor, its makers claim, ‘can be top-coated or incorporated in both floating and sinking feeds. It is also highly palatable, which helps to optimise antibiotic intake.’ So how many tasty antibiotic pellets are the strongest and most pushy fish likely to ingest? It’s anybody’s guess. If you are still buying fish in supermarket packs, have a look at the source, and be careful. Information is available at www.aquaflor-usa.com.