A list of 359 substances that may be used in aquaculture has been published by the European Medicines Agency, following its mandate from the European Commission. According to the Regulation on veterinary medicines, the Commission was tasked with establishing a list of veterinary medicines that can be used in fish farming.
Detailed justification
The 433-page scientific advice provides a list of substances, with comments on use (e.g. risk for the environment, in-feed or injectable, individual treatment only) and a detailed justification about each of the included substances (e.g. whether there already is a veterinary product on the EU market, risk to the environment, public health impact and possible alternatives). The document also provides a list of harmful substances that should be excluded.
Input from FVE FishMedPlus
One of the sources cited by the scientific opinion is the so-called gap analysis produced in 2015 by the FVE FishMedPlus coalition. The Commission will now prepare an implementing act, to be discussed together with Member States experts. Once they reach an agreement this draft act will go for public consultation.
(Image: Norsk Havbrukssenter)