Increasing disease burden and use of drugs and chemicals in Bangladesh shrimp aquaculture: A potential menace to human health. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heal, Richard D.; Hasan, Neaz A.; Haque, Mohammad Mahfujul
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 172(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Shrimp farming -- Disease treatment -- Prophylactic products -- Active ingredients -- Residue -- Environmental risk; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112796
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Using structured surveys in 2008 and 2016, change in disease burden and use of chemical treatments in Bangladesh shrimp farm management was examined. Overall, disease burden had increased in all farms and was more polarized, with a fewer number of individual infectious diseases responsible for most disease in ponds. Farmers also reported physical deformities, nutritional deficiencies, and unknown diseases further indicating poor health of their stock. To combat the threat, more chemical treatments were used (5.2 treatments per farm in 2008 versus 28.8 in 2016), resulting in an average increase of 424% in the number of active substances entering shrimp ponds. Although there was a modest reduction in the use of antimicrobials, shrimp was being exposed to a wider range of chemicals during rearing. The subsequent concern for the environment, animal and human health demands further research to identify potential risks from residues of chemical products. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Shrimp farmers in Bangladesh are facing an increased disease burden on their crop. Burden is dominated by a few diseases and is tackled with increasing chemical use. Prophylactic product use in shrimp farming has escalated but remains unregulated. Large range of active substances now used in the shrimp production cycle. Uncontrolled chemical use threatens the environment, animal and human health.