The use of chemotherapeutic agents in shrimp hatcheries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, the active promotion of chemical products to prevent disease in shrimp hatcheries has led to an increase in the use of drugs and chemicals without much emphasis on understanding their efficacies. A survey was carried out to evaluate trends in the use of drugs and chemicals as therapeutic treatments for shrimp-hatchery diseases. A wide range of chemicals and drugs are being used, both for prophylactic treatment and to prevent or control parasitic, fungal and bacterial diseases in hatcheries. Without proper scientific investigation into treatment regimes, there has been a tendency for individual hatcheries to select their own treatment regimes and to do their own experimentation. Little knowledge exists among hatchery operators as to the hazardous effects of the chemicals in use. Lack of legislation on the use of chemotherapeutants in aquaculture has led to the uncontrolled use and improper selection of chemicals for use in shrimp hatcheries.