These guidelines aim to review the use of antimicrobials and to establish practical strategies to enable farmers, including fish farmers, to reduce the need for their use. They advise on all aspects from application and responsibilities of the farmer, feed manufacturer and veterinary surgeon, to strategies for reducing the need for usage.

• Regard therapeutic antimicrobial products as complementary to good management, vaccination and general site and farm hygiene.
• A site and farm health plan should be drawn up that outline’s routine preventative treatments (for example vaccination, fungus control, salmon lice control etc.). Delay in initiating therapy causes welfare problems and may ultimately lead to increased medicine usage.
• Initiate treatment with an antimicrobial medicine, all of which are subject to a veterinary prescription, only with formal veterinary approval.
• In the case of in-feed medication this will be provided by a Medicated Feedingstuff (MFS) Prescription.
• Ensure that accurate information is given to the attending veterinary surgeon in order that the correct dosage can be calculated for the fish concerned, and ensure that clear instructions for medication, dosage and administration are obtained and passed on where necessary to the staff responsible.
• Always complete the course of treatment at the correct dosage. Ensure that the dosage is dispensed in an effective manner by careful administration.
• Ensure the end of medication is accurately determined by cleaning the feed bin or hopper as appropriate.
• Ensure that the appropriate withdrawal period is complied with prior to slaughter of the treated fish for human consumption. In general the withdrawal time is specified on the Medicated Feedingstuff Prescription or as set by the veterinary surgeon.
• Maintain a fish medicines record book on farm together with copies of relevant regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Accurately record the identity of the fish medicated, the batch number, amount and expiry of the medicine used, the withdrawal period required and the date the medication was completed.
• For all medicines used, appropriate information should be kept on file – for example, product data sheets, package inserts or safety data sheets as available.
• Report to the veterinary surgeon, the supplier, or direct to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate any suspected adverse reaction to a medicine in either the treated fish or farm staff having contact with the medicine. A record of the adverse reaction should also be kept on the farm: either a copy of the VMD adverse reaction form or a note in the medicine record book.
• Co-operate with Farm Assurance schemes which monitor antimicrobial usage, medication documentation and withdrawal period compliance. However, such schemes should not constrain the attending veterinary surgeon or farmer from preventing suffering of fish stocks.
• With your veterinary surgeon monitor antimicrobial usage taking account of the potency of various products.
• Ensure that different medicines are only given at the same time with the specific approval of the veterinary surgeon to prevent the possibility of adverse interactions.