Full Breakdown
Suspension of Florfenicol Use in Tasmanian Salmon Farms
3/5/2026, 8:13:52 AM
Regulatory Action on Antibiotic Use
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has suspended the use of the antibiotic florfenicol in Tasmanian salmon farms due to concerns over its potential impact on non-target marine species. This decision follows the detection of traces of florfenicol in wild fish, including abalone and rock lobster, located over 10 kilometers from salmon pens. The suspension is based on an "unacceptable risk of residue exposure" to other species, as stated by the APVMA.
The suspension comes after an emergency permit was granted in November 2025 to combat an outbreak of piscirickettsiosis, a bacterial disease that led to the death of over 1 million salmon in February 2025. The APVMA had notified the salmon industry of its intention to revoke the permit on February 20, 2026, allowing until March 2 for the industry to provide evidence justifying continued use. However, the APVMA concluded that no new data was presented to address its concerns.
Industry Response and Future Plans
Scott Hansen, chief executive of the APVMA, emphasized that the permit was suspended primarily due to trade risks rather than concerns related to human health or environmental safety. He noted that maximum residue limits for florfenicol are established globally, and the salmon industry could potentially reapply for a new permit if it can demonstrate that risks to trade have been mitigated.
Dr. John Whittington, chief executive of Salmon Tasmania, defended the antibiotic's effectiveness in treating piscirickettsiosis, stating that the industry is committed to understanding how florfenicol affects non-target species. He indicated plans to collaborate with other fishing sectors to gather the necessary scientific data and develop mitigation measures. The industry intends to reapply for a permit after the current one expires on August 31, 2026.
Criticism of Initial Approvals
The initial approval process for florfenicol has faced scrutiny. Internal documents from Tasmanian government agencies revealed concerns regarding the lack of "robust" scientific evidence in the application for its use. The Health Department and Environment Protection Authority questioned whether the application adequately addressed potential impacts on human health and antibiotic resistance. Despite these concerns, the antibiotic was approved for use in salmon farms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The use of the antibiotic was deemed an unacceptable risk to other marine species, but the truth is that the industrial fish farms are an unacceptable risk, in everything they do, to marine species,” — Alistair Allan, Antarctic and Marine Campaigner, Bob Brown Foundation
- “It is not because of any data or information related to human health or environmental health,” — Scott Hansen, Chief Executive, APVMA
- “(ABC News: Madeleine Rojahn) Salmon Tasmania chief executive John Whittington said florfenicol remained a "really safe and effective antibiotic" to treat Piscirickettsia salmonis.” — Dr. John Whittington, Chief Executive, Salmon Tasmania
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the APVMA's decision is based on the detection of florfenicol in non-target species, there is no evidence of human health issues associated with the antibiotic. However, concerns about insufficient data regarding its safety and the potential for antibiotic resistance remain unresolved. The industry faces pressure to provide robust scientific evidence to support any future applications for the use of florfenicol.
