World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2018 (12th -18th November 2011
organized by ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR
DCFR), Bhimtal 263136, Nainital, Uttarakhand on 17.11.2018: A Report
In light to 'World Antibiotic Awareness Week' 12-18th November, 2018, ICAR- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research organized awareness programme on Antimicrobial Resistance on 17th November 2018 to sensitize participants on the effects of antibiotics on fisheries and human health. The programme commenced with a welcome note from Dr. Debajit Sarma, Director, ICAR-DCFR; in his speech he expressed his concerns on "injudicious use of antimicrobials in livestock including fishes and its direct implications on human health". He also emphasized on the fact that there is a need for standardizing the dose of antimicrobials used in aquaculture to prevent antimicrobial resistance. Mr Sumanta Kumar Mallik, Scientist ICAR-DCFR; involved with INFAAR programme mentioned about 'Genesis of INFAAR and way forward' and presented FAO study material by Dr Rajesh Bhatia on Antimicrobial resistance; which included statistics on impact of AMR on human health projecting 10 million annual death and $100 trillion US loss to global economy in 2050, solutions to combat AMR by rationalizing the use of available antimicrobial agents, preventing emergence of resistance by reducing selection pressure and reducing disease burden and some carry home messages. Dr Amit Pande, National Fellow & Dr Suresh Chandra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DCFR, emphasized on adapting good animal husbandry practice to reduce AMR issues in veterinary and fisheries. An interactive session was carried out where participants expressed their earnest views and concerns on antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture ranging from misuse of antimicrobials, lack of knowledge and reluctance of individuals to practice safe aquaculture. FAO study material and AMR slogans in forms of posters were displayed in the institute premises. To end the programme on a high-note, students were encouraged to write their message on antimicrobial resistance. A total of fourteen (14) students from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur College of Fisheries Science, Etawah Campus, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Several, scientists, research scholars, Young Professional and students from ICAR-DCFR attended the awareness programme. The programme had positive impact and it was also realised that awareness programmes on AMR need to be carried routinely and need to involve fish farmers to sensitize them about implications of misuse of antibiotics in fish farming and its overall impact on human health.
