ASBTIA: Optimising the use of praziquantel to manage blood fluke infections in commercially ranched SBT
The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) aims to obtain a Minor Use Permit (MUP) for praziquantel (PZQ) to treat blood fluke (Cardicola forsteri) infections in Southern bluefin tuna (SBT). Treatments to date have been undertaken under ministerial approvals pursuant to Regulation 11 of the Aquaculture Regulations 2005 (SA). The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Fisheries and Aquaculture Division has indicated however, that Regulation 11 and off-label prescription is not appropriate for use of veterinary medicines used in large volumes and discharged to the marine environment. Approvals will not be continued indefinitely unless ASBTIA works towards obtaining a permit or product registration issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Without a ministerial approval, permit or product registration, it would be illegal to use PZQ to treat SBT for blood fluke infections.