Aquaculture Biosecurity – The Invisible Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Mississippi State University's (MSU) Global Center for Aquatic Food Security invite you to a special Congressional briefing on: Aquaculture Biosecurity – The Invisible Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Fish is the most traded food commodity in international trade with an export value of nearly USD150 billion. Aquaculture continues to be the world’s fastest-growing food production sector, and the farming, trading, and processing of aquaculture products continues to be of major social and economic importance.

Like other animal-rearing systems, disease represents an important impediment to aquaculture production. In the U.S., antimicrobial use in aquaculture is administered through licensed veterinarians using Veterinary Feed Directives (VFDs) to assure they are being used appropriately and to prevent development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, AMR is a global threat, and unregulated antimicrobial use in some countries can threaten aquaculture in all countries, including the U.S.

Distinguished speakers from different organizations will provide lightening remarks to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, including its trade and security impacts, and share country level experiences.

Welcome Remarks:

• The Honorable Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator, Mississippi
• The Honorable Michael Guest, Representative of the 3rd District of Mississippi

Lightning Talks:

• Dr. Mark Lawrence, Director of Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Fish (FIL), Mississippi State University (MSU)
• Mr. Omar Elhassan, Aquaculture Biosecurity, Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch (FAO)
• Dr. Richard Arthur, aquatic animal health consultant
• Dr. Larry Hanson, Mississippi State University (MSU)
• Dr. Patricia Gaunt, Mississippi State University (MSU)
• Dr. Hao Bin, Associate Professional Officer, Aquaculture Branch, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department (FAO)
• Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, Director, Liaison Office for North America (FAO)

Moderator:

• Thomas Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer, Liaison Office for North America (FAO)

Refreshments will be served following the briefing.