It has been no secret on the rampant use of antibiotics in the aquaculture industry in the past. However, with governments and governmental institutions stepping in to curb or at least minimize its use, its use amongst farmers is coming down drastically. The farmers used them in the first place owing to a lack of understanding. The assumption was that the use of antibiotics would prevent common shrimp diseases caused by viruses like White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) followed by Yellow Head Virus (YHV).

Independent network organisations like ReAct work with governments & government institutions to ensure that the aquaculture farmers are educated about the right use of antibiotics. They conduct workshops and the farmers collectively took a pledge to follow the 10 commandments pertaining to the right use of antibiotics. Read more about their work here.