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SCIENCE NEWS · AQUACULTURE
Is a cheaper medicine really cheaper?
When fish or frogs fall ill, time is the one thing you cannot buy back
Counterfeit, substandard or untraceable aquatic veterinary medicines do more than force farmers to spend money on replacement products. They can also cost the critical window for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment once disease has appeared.
Illustrative image: Agriculture & Environment ·
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Medicine can be bought again.
But the critical window in a production cycle cannot.
In fish and frog farming, once disease appears, even a delay of only a few days can allow conditions to deteriorate markedly. Using counterfeit, substandard or untraceable products does not merely waste money; it can also mean missing the best opportunity to bring the disease under control.
Bacterial disease – a real threat to fish and frogs
A typical example in pangasius is
bacillary necrosis of pangasius caused by
Edwardsiella ictaluri
. Official disease-prevention and control guidance states that fish may become infected at any stage of production, but
juveniles are the most susceptible group
. The disease occurs year-round, with cases concentrated in the
first three months after stocking
and may cause losses of
10–50%
depending on husbandry and management conditions.
This is why farmers should not gamble the first days of disease management on a product whose origin, active ingredient or quality cannot be clearly verified. When treatment is ineffective, the appropriate response is to
reassess the diagnosis, causative agent, environment and treatment protocol
— rather than continue switching medicines on instinct.
“Bacillary necrosis of pangasius occurs year-round in catfish and is concentrated in the first three months after stocking; juveniles are the most susceptible stage.”
Source: Decision 108/QĐ-TSKN (2026) – guidance on measures to prevent and control dangerous diseases in catfish.
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Illustrative image of bacillary necrosis in pangasius. Image: Tép Bạc.
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TECHNICAL INSIGHT
TECHNICAL INSIGHT
Proactive disease prevention can reduce the pressure to use antibiotics
WOAH emphasises that biosecurity, good farming practices, sound health management and appropriate nutrition can help reduce the need for antibiotics. When antibiotics are necessary, they should be used responsibly and under professional guidance.
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Integrated aquatic animal health management – antibiotics in the right role, at the right time
Pond preparation &
disinfection
Reduce pathogen pressure from the outset
Environmental management &
biosecurity
Maintain stable production conditions
Enzymes & probiotics
Support digestion and gut health
Nutritional support
Support health and optimise the production cycle
Accurate diagnosis
Identify the cause and select the appropriate solution
Use antibiotics appropriately
when bacterial disease requires treatment
Right active ingredient, dose, route and timing
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Avoid products offered at unusually low prices.
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Use only veterinary medicines with a clear origin and authorised for circulation under applicable regulations.
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Prioritise reputable companies with a long-standing industry presence and a long-term commitment to the market.
-
Choose suppliers with an official distribution network and experienced local technical teams who can provide support when problems arise.
Efficient and sustainable production
Strong management from the outset—combining disinfection, environmental management, enzymes/probiotics and appropriate nutrition—helps reduce disease pressure. When bacterial disease requires treatment, antibiotics should be used in their proper role: based on evidence, responsibly and in accordance with professional guidance.
References & verification sources
Professional note:
This content is intended to provide scientific information and support risk management. It does not replace diagnosis, prescribing or treatment guidance from a veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional. The use of medicines must comply with the approved product dossier, current regulations and applicable withdrawal periods.