One Health and aquaculture: an integrated approach for a sustainable future – Aquaculture is a major source of food production globally and provides a significant source of high quality protein for millions of consumers. However, the sector faces major challenges, such as fish disease management, food safety and environmental impact. In this context, the One Health approach is essential, as it recognises the interconnection between animal, human and environmental health, promoting integrated and sustainable solutions.
One Health is a holistic approach that encourages collaboration between different disciplines to address health challenges in a comprehensive manner. The pillars on which it is based in the specific sector of aquaculture are essentially based on fish health obtained through the implementation of biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of diseases, but also through the use of vaccines to reduce the need for antibiotics and at the same time monitoring water quality, especially in intensive fish farms, to ensure optimal growing conditions also guaranteed by the use of feed enriched with probiotics to strengthen the immune system of fish.
The other pillar is the safeguarding of human health, which is achieved by controlling food safety to prevent contamination and zoonotic diseases, but also by limiting the excessive use of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. All this to produce fish with high nutritional value for a healthy and balanced diet.
Third and last, but not least, is environmental health. This is achieved by adopting sustainable farming practices to reduce the impact on aquatic ecosystems, such as the development of integrated aquaculture systems (aquaponics), all to optimise resources. A particular control in this area is that of invasive species to preserve marine biodiversity.
The integration of the One Health model in aquaculture is therefore a key strategy for the future of the sector. Collaboration between veterinarians, marine biologists, fish producers and health institutions is essential to ensure fish health, food safety and environmental protection.
Only through a multidisciplinary approach will it be possible to address the challenges of modern aquaculture and ensure a more sustainable and safe future for all.
One Health and aquaculture: an integrated approach for a sustainable future
