Monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens from aquaculture - Regional Guidelines for the Monitoring and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, Use and Residues in Food and Agriculture.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a One Health issue that affects food safety and the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. AMR can occur naturally, but the extensive use of antimicrobial compounds in human and veterinary medicine exacerbates it. Fundamental to informed actions and measuring progress on AMR mitigation is sound evidence generated over time through surveillance and research. Towards this end, Objective 2 of the FAO Action Plan on AMR works to strengthen evidence through multisectoral surveillance and research on AMR, antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial residues. To reinforce practical implementation of the action plan in the region, the FAO RAP, together with its key technical partners, developed a collection of regional guidelines on monitoring and surveillance of AMR, use and residues. Volume 3 (Monitoring and Surveillance of AMR in Bacterial Pathogens from Aquaculture) is part of this collection and outlines the essential guidance in the conduct of AMR monitoring and surveillance of priority aquatic animal pathogens in the region. As aquaculture is a particularly important resource in the region, systematic guidance in this area of work, from data generation to information sharing and operationalization, will be most valuable. The guideline provides a regional overview of AMR surveillance in aquaculture, including the importance of harmonizing methodologies across the region (Chapter 1). It also covers approaches to the design of AMR surveillance in aquaculture, from identifying the target population to sampling considerations (Chapter 2). Sample consideration and transport are described in detail, following standing methodologies for disease surveillance in aquaculture (Chapter 3). The laboratory methods are described, from general principles to specific methodologies (Chapter 4). Finally, the guideline also describes AMR data management including collection, storage, analysis and presentation (Chapter 5). While Volume 3 provides guidance for carrying out AMR monitoring and surveillance in aquaculture, the other areas in the AMR surveillance framework are covered in the respective volumes of this regional guideline collection: Volume 1 (Monitoring and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in bacteria from healthy food animals intended for consumption), Volume 2 (Monitoring and surveillance in animal pathogens recovered from diseased livestock); Volume 4 (Monitoring bacterial resistance in the animal environment) that will focus on monitoring AMR in bacteria from agriculture settings (such as manure and slurry in livestock farms and aquatic environments), Volume 5 (Monitoring antimicrobial usage in animals at the farm level) and Volume 6 (Monitoring antimicrobial residues in food). The impact of antimicrobial use in aquaculture on the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens of fish is understudied. AMR development may compromise food security, food safety and animal welfare, and in turn, the protection of livelihoods and the sustainability of aquatic species and fisheries. The hope is that this guideline will help to improve the quality, quantity and overall cohesiveness of initiatives on AMR surveillance in aquaculture across the region, and ultimately, the overall resilience of aquaculture-dependent livelihoods and economies.