Animal feed (additive) firm Bentoli has said a reduction in antibiotic use in aquaculture is the number one trend it expects to see for the industry in 2018.

\"Aquaculture producers faced intense pressure in 2017 for their overuse of antimicrobials, which resulted in the widespread proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR has the dangerous potential to \'compromise the treatment of bacterial infections\' in both aquaculture species and humans,\" it said.

With the World Health Organization labeling AMR a major threat to worldwide health, discussion over antibiotic use will take center stage in 2018, Bentoli said. \"Many organizations are already calling for restrictions on the use of antibiotics and—in some cases—proposals have been presented to completely halt the use of antibiotics.\"

It also forecasts continued growth within the aquaculture industry.

The aquaculture industry is expected to grow at a healthy compound annual growth rate of approximately 4% through to 2020. Among the list of countries planning to expand their aquaculture market share are China, India, the US, Norway, Russia, Nigeria, and many more, Bentoli noted.

\"During the World Aquaculture Society’s annual conference in 2017, Africa was the main topic of conversation. Many African nations are turning to aquaculture as the answer to some of their food production woes. Countries like Nigeria, Madagascar, and Zambia are currently the largest producers of aquaculture on the African continent.\"

When it comes to sustainability in aquaculture, three main areas are set for further developments, the feed firm feels.

Source:  Undercurrent News // Original Article