As a veterinarian and President of the Aquatic Animals Commission of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) doctor Alicia Gallardo Lagno has dedicated over 25 years Chilean to advancing biosecurity and sustainability in Chilean aquaculture. Elected president of the Commission last May, her career in public service has included roles as Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Director of the National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca). Speaking at the first of the “ChileCarne Talks” series, she highlighted the critical role of prevention and public-private collaboration in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
– What is the current state of Chile’s aquaculture regarding responsible antibiotics management and which public or private initiatives stand out?
Overall, Chile upholds some of the world’s highest biosecurity standards in aquaculture, particularly in disease prevention and antimicrobial use. Since adopting the Aqua Code, the industry has implemented recommendations from Chapter 11.2 and established a voluntary certification program to optimize antimicrobial use (ROA in Spanish). This program enables producers to meet more stringent standards than traditional ones and promotes collaboration with the public sector.
Looking ahead, there are still gaps to bridge. The pressures of climate change, the potential rise of new pathogens, or the resurgence of others mean that we need to strengthen our capabilities in disease diagnostics and early detection. Chile is already exploring artificial intelligence applications in animal health, which represents a valuable opportunity for early detection. We must also continue researching alternatives to antimicrobials and enhancing therapies for cases where they are necessary, all while adhering to WOAH’s guidelines and considering the specific needs of each territory and pathogen.
Lastly, information sharing and collaboration is crucial, what I call “shoal mode”—public-private partnerships between public agencies and producers. As a significant food producer, Chile has an important global role to play.
– Regarding the meat trade, several importing countries are increasingly seeking details on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). How does this trend impact aquaculture?
International standards on antimicrobial use largely stem from WOAH’s Aquatic Animal Code, which serves as a foundation for animal health and food safety. The Code includes a chapter on the prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials, which is being updated in line with recent advancements in the terrestrial code. Chile is likely to play an increasingly prominent role internationally, given its progress in this area, and our standards are well-aligned with global benchmarks.
Chile’s National Aquaculture Action Plan demonstrates that our biosecurity levels exceed the global average, which strengthens our leadership position and our ability to support other Latin American and Caribbean countries. According to the latest FAO report, aquaculture production has now surpassed traditional fishing, underscoring the high demand for aquatic protein. We bear the responsibility of promoting and sharing our best practices across the region.
– Animal health and biosecurity are essential to minimizing antibiotic use. Could you share any successful experiences, locally or internationally, that support this goal?
Animal health is paramount, and we are currently engaged in an international prevention campaign because “prevention is better than cure.” Animal welfare, including nutrition, is key in this regard. Good nutrition significantly enhances animals’ immunity.
Biosecurity practices, tailored to the specific risk profile of each facility or production center, are another critical component. Each farm operates under a biosecurity plan that includes specific mitigation measures based on the risks identified. We’ve seen examples of this with Avian influenza in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Finally, it’s important to share success stories. I appreciate the approach of exchanging experiences in animal health management, especially in addressing challenges such as the recent control of Salmonella in Brussels and Chile. These cross-sectoral experiences are invaluable and should be promoted further.
– Recently, the UN issued a political declaration on AMR, aiming to reduce global AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. How does WOAH fit into this target?
We are at a critical moment where world leaders have called us to action, as our current efforts are insufficient to halt antimicrobial resistance. Addressing AMR requires a “One Health” approach that integrates human health, animal health, food safety, and environmental considerations. WOAH is a key player in this “quadripartite” alliance with a mandate to promote animal health across terrestrial and aquatic sectors.
Chapter 6.10 of WOAH’s Terrestrial Code on prudent and responsible antimicrobial use was recently updated in alignment with the One Health framework. Our focus now must be on assessing the progress made, identifying gaps and challenges, and advancing research, especially on how AMR spreads within the food chain and the environment, since we still lack information. Multisectoral dialogues like this ChileCarne initiative are invaluable, and WOAH advocates for continuous advancements in biosecurity and preventive strategies.
