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Aquaculture industry

Antimicrobial Resistance in Fish Farms: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Department of Animal Science have conducted a comprehensive study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fish farmers regarding antimicrobial use and resistance in Cameroon. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness among fish farmers about the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and their perceptions of the emergence of AMR in the country. The survey involved 364 fish farmers from five regions, Adamawa, Centre, Littoral, South, and West, using a questionnaire to gather data. The study revealed poor knowledge of antimicrobial use and resistance among fish farmers, with an average score of 0.47 ± 0.19 for AMU and 0.30 ± 0.29 for AMR. Despite the low level of knowledge, the study found a fair level of risk perception among fish farmers regarding the emergence of AMR.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study targeted 364 fish farmers from five regions in Cameroon, using a questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance.
  • The survey revealed poor knowledge of antimicrobial use and resistance among fish farmers, with an average score of 0.47 ± 0.19 for AMU and 0.30 ± 0.29 for AMR.
  • Despite the low level of knowledge, the study found a fair level of risk perception among fish farmers regarding the emergence of AMR.
  • Localities, age, professional experience, educational level, training in fish farming, and presence of health agents on the farm were associated with the attitudes and practices of fish farmers.
  • The study highlighted the need for improvement in the knowledge and awareness of fish farmers about antimicrobial resistance and its consequences.

Statistics:

  • 364 fish farmers from five regions in Cameroon were surveyed using a questionnaire.
  • The average score for antimicrobial use knowledge was 0.47 ± 0.19.
  • The average score for antimicrobial resistance knowledge was 0.30 ± 0.29.
  • The level of risk perception of the emergence of AMR was fair, with an average score of 0.50 ± 0.29.

Sources:

  • Ndebe, M. M. F., et al. "Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Risk Perceptions of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Among Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Cameroon." _Veterinary Medicine International_, vol. 2025, 2025, (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/vmi/).
  • Department of Animal Science, Cameroon.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on Fish Farms Described by Researchers at Department of Animal Science (Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Risk Perceptions of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Among Small-Scale Fish Farmers in Cameroon). _Health Risk Factor Week_, November 4, 2025, p 7841.

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