Status of disease prevalence, drugs and antibiotics usage in pond-based aquaculture at Narsingdi district, Bangladesh: A major public health concern and strategic appraisal for mitigation

This research aimed to investigate the present status of disease prevalence and usage of aqua drugs for various aquaculture operations in the Narsingdi region of Bangladesh. Data were collected through the market survey, preset questionnaire interview, personal contact, and participatory rural appraisal tools. Amongst the respondents, the maximum percentages were found practicing mixed cultures of carp, tilapia, and pangas. The respondents suggested that epizootic ulcerative syndrome, saprolegniasis, streptococcosis, tail and fin rot and bacillary necrosis are common fish diseases in the area. About 140 drugs of different companies used in aquaculture for different purposes such as disease treatment, growth enhancement, water quality improvement, toxic gas removal, improvement of feed conversion ratio. Zeolite, rotenone, disinfectant, oxygen precursors, ammonia reducers, and probiotics were applied for pond preparation, water, and soil quality maintenance, while 30 different antibiotics were used for the purpose of treatment. Among the available antibiotics, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, sulphadiazine, and trimethoprim were found extensively used by the fish farmers. Four enzymes and eighteen growth promoters were identified as being utilized to enhance digestion and boost up the production. This study elicited various issues connected with application and administration of such aqua chemicals, including farmers’ ignorance about their usage, proper doses, application methods, withdrawal period, and the human health concerns associated with their irresponsible use. However, the consequences of these chemical products to the environment, animal health, and human health required further study for the betterment of mankind.