Abstract
Aquaculture plays an important role in global food supply and in national economic development in low and
middle income countries. However, during the process of aquaculture production, farmer may inappropriately use
antibiotics to prevent and to treat infections. This may lead to antimicrobial resistance in humans and environment.
This study aimed to assess fisheries officers’ knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, and
knowledge on regulations related to antibiotic use in aquaculture sector. A self-administered questionnaire survey was
conducted in 92 fisheries officers whose work was related to aquatic animal health and aquaculture management from
61 provinces in February 2019. The questionnaire comprised four parts: 1) knowledge about the Thailand’s National
Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2021 (NSP-AMR); 2) knowledge on antibiotics; 3) awareness of antimicrobial
resistance; and 4) regulations on chemicals and antibiotic use in aquatic animals. Over half of the respondents
(57.6%) had heard about the NSP-AMR, but most of them (62.3%) did not know the content. The level of knowledge
of antimicrobial was measured using six true/false statements. Results showed that level of knowledge on AMR and
antibiotic use was high, as 73.9% of respondents gave correct answers to more than 3 out of 6. The majority of respondents
(more than 80.0%) correctly recognized the importance of antibiotic use and AMR problems, and all of the
respondents agreed that AMR was an important problem that needed policy attention. More than half of respondents
gave correct answers in all statements regarding the antimicrobial use regulations in aquaculture sector. This study was
the first study which assessed knowledge on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance among fisheries officers in
Thailand. We applied the questionnaire from the National Health and Welfare Survey 2019 and the results showed
that respondents had a high level of knowledge about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. But, gaps remain in
the dissemination of antibiotic-related policies. Training should be provided to improve knowledge and awareness on
AMR and to support fisheries officers in regulating and ensuring rational use of antibiotics in the aquaculture.
