OAHN Fish Research Project: Antibiotic resistance in Ontario aquaculture

Project Lead:  Marcia Chiasson (OMAFRA)

Collaborators: Veronique LePage (OVC), Steve Naylor (OMAFRA)

The objective of this study was to survey fish from aquaculture farms in Ontario to determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, the project aimed to assist in the establishment of veterinarian-client-patient relationships in the aquaculture industry.

A total of 55 fish specimens and 34 bacterial isolates were tested. Bacterial isolates were cultured from 54 of the 55 sample submissions. Flavobacterium spp. was isolated from 54% of the fish specimens and Aeromonas spp. was isolated from 29% of the samples. Other bacterial pathogens, including Edwardsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Vibrio spp., and Yersinia spp. were detected infrequently and ranged from 1.8% to 5.5% of fish samples.

To read the full report, click here.