Veterinary medicine use in aquaculture

Australia’s aquatic animal industries need timely access to safe, appropriate, and effective veterinary chemical products, including medicines, vaccines and antimicrobials. These veterinary medicines are used to prevent or alleviate animal diseases. They are an important tool for managing aquatic animal health and welfare. However, inappropriate use of veterinary medicines can affect trade and have adverse consequences on human and animal health.

The Veterinary chemical product use in aquaculture pamphlet has guidance on:

• the appropriate use of aquatic veterinary chemical products in aquaculture
• the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority assessment criteria
• product use
• prescription products
• off-label use.

AQUAPLAN, Australia’s national strategic plan for aquatic animal health, has improved access to aquatic veterinary medicines. The current plan, AQUAPLAN 2022-2027, includes several veterinary medicine activities under objective 6.

If you have any questions, please contact the Aquatic Pest and Health Policy section at aah@aff.gov.au.