Antibiotikabruk og praksis i oppdrettsnæringen og deres betydning for utviklingen av antimikrobiell resistens

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between aquaculture practices and the development of antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on antibiotic use and its global implications in aquaculture. Motivated by the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance, often referred to as a "silent pandemic," the research highlights aquaculture’s role as both a driver of antimicrobial resistance and a platform for sustainable solutions. Using a structured literature review, this study examines global patterns in aquaculture antibiotic use, evaluates Norway as a case study for best practices, and explores the broader ecological, public health, and economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance. The findings reveal significant disparities in aquaculture practices worldwide. Norway's success in minimizing antibiotic use through strict regulations, vaccination programs, and sustainable practices contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries and industrialized producers like Chile. These regions often grapple with weak regulatory frameworks, limited resources, and overreliance on antibiotics, contributing to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. This review underscores the importance of the One Health approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health in combating antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the need for targeted strategies, including developing alternative antimicrobial methods, scaling Norway’s regulatory measures to diverse economic contexts, and fostering global collaboration. Future research should focus on adapting vaccine strategies for other fish species and aquaculture systems, standardizing antibiotic use reporting, and exploring scalable, equitable solutions to support sustainable aquaculture worldwide. Ultimately, the thesis emphasizes that addressing antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture requires a multifaceted, globally coordinated effort. By aligning sustainable practices with innovative solutions, the aquaculture industry can play a pivotal role in mitigating antimicrobial resistance risks while ensuring food security and environmental health for future generations.

This thesis investigates the relationship between aquaculture practices and the development of antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on antibiotic use and its global implications in aquaculture. Motivated by the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance, often referred to as a "silent pandemic," the research highlights aquaculture’s role as both a driver of antimicrobial resistance and a platform for sustainable solutions. Using a structured literature review, this study examines global patterns in aquaculture antibiotic use, evaluates Norway as a case study for best practices, and explores the broader ecological, public health, and economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance. The findings reveal significant disparities in aquaculture practices worldwide. Norway's success in minimizing antibiotic use through strict regulations, vaccination programs, and sustainable practices contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries and industrialized producers like Chile. These regions often grapple with weak regulatory frameworks, limited resources, and overreliance on antibiotics, contributing to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. This review underscores the importance of the One Health approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health in combating antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the need for targeted strategies, including developing alternative antimicrobial methods, scaling Norway’s regulatory measures to diverse economic contexts, and fostering global collaboration. Future research should focus on adapting vaccine strategies for other fish species and aquaculture systems, standardizing antibiotic use reporting, and exploring scalable, equitable solutions to support sustainable aquaculture worldwide. Ultimately, the thesis emphasizes that addressing antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture requires a multifaceted, globally coordinated effort. By aligning sustainable practices with innovative solutions, the aquaculture industry can play a pivotal role in mitigating antimicrobial resistance risks while ensuring food security and environmental health for future generations.