Intesal and the Monterey Bay Aquarium have led this initiative.
SalmonChile
A group of 27 experts from Intesal, the scientific arm of SalmonChile, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and other prestigious national and international institutions has published the scientific paper 'Insights and Lessons from Chilean Salmon Aquaculture on Antimicrobial Use'.
This initiative is part of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in November 2023, which promoted more sustainable and responsible practices in the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture.
"This publication reflects the systematic work that Intesal has been carrying out in responsible health management, contributing its technical expertise and knowledge to the challenges of the sector," said Alexander Jaramillo, Health and Safety Coordinator at Intesal.
The paper bases its message on the 'One Health' concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health. It also urges the implementation of molecular tools for environmental protection and the search for therapeutic alternatives, given the 'limited' efficacy of vaccines against Piscirickettsia salmonis, the main pathogen affecting Chilean salmon aquaculture.
The roadmap proposes reducing the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture, based on a comprehensive approach addressing four priority areas: Prevention, Communication, Alternatives, and Environmental Assessment," detailed Jaramillo.
This project has also involved Wavet Research, the University of Chile, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Andrés Bello University, the INCAR center, CIMARQ, the Pincoy initiative, and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh.
SalmonChile has assured the participating organizations' intention to hold a second edition of the congress in 2026 to assess the progress of this initiative.
