Traces of antibiotics from Tasmanian salmon farms have been detected in wild marine species over 10 kilometres away, raising contamination and resistance fears.
MELBOURNE: Traces of antibiotics from salmon farms in the Australian island state of Tasmania have been detected in wild marine species over 10 kilometres away.
Public health authorities said the amounts detected pose no risk to human health from eating seafood, but experts warned that even low concentrations could generate bacterial tolerance.
Tests by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies found low levels of florfenicol in abalone, urchins, lobsters and other native species near farm leases south of Hobart.
Of 840 samples, 165 tested positive for florfenicol traces up to 0.06 mg/kg, with 209 results pending, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania reported.
University of Queensland antibiotic resistance expert Mark Blaskovich said the levels were “ideal for generating resistance”.
He warned this could have wider implications for aquatic and human health.
Fisheries zones near Bruny Island, within 3 km of the salmon farms using the antibiotic, remain closed.
The closures are due to concerns over international market restrictions that impose zero tolerance for antibiotic residues.
Salmon companies began using the drug in November at three D’Entreacasteaux Channel sites in southeastern Tasmania.
They have since expanded its use to 16 sites in the region.
