National AMR context
In 2015, Argentina established its national strategy to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adopting a One Health approach through collaboration between human and animal health authorities. Since then, national efforts have included promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials in animal production, strengthening surveillance through the National Programme for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Livestock, implemented by the National Service for Animal Health and Agrifood Quality (SENASA), and introducing additional measures, such as banning colistin use in certain contexts and restricting the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters.
The National Action Plan for 2026–2029 reinforces these priorities by promoting appropriate antimicrobial use, strengthening surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial use, improving prevention and biosecurity, and generating evidence to inform decision-making across human, animal and environmental health.
In this context, the growing trout aquaculture sector in Northern Patagonia represents an important area in which to strengthen the evidence base. Assessing antimicrobial use and its regulatory, behavioural and operational determinants can help identify sector-specific gaps and inform strategies aligned with national AMR priorities.
Problem
Trout aquaculture in Northern Patagonia has expanded in recent years, increasing the importance of effective fish health management and responsible antimicrobial use. However, systematic information on antimicrobial use (AMU), treatment decision-making, farm-level health management practices and the implementation of relevant regulations remains limited.
This evidence gap constrains the ability of public authorities and sector stakeholders to assess current practices, identify regulatory, behavioural and operational determinants of AMU, and prioritize appropriate measures to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship. It also limits the development of monitoring approaches adapted to the characteristics of Argentine trout aquaculture.
The project addresses these gaps through a diagnostic assessment of AMU and its determinants, combining field-based information with regulatory analysis and stakeholder perspectives. By examining both production-level practices and the governance framework, the project will identify priority areas for improvement and generate evidence to inform policies, strengthen monitoring and support responsible antimicrobial use in line with national priorities and relevant international recommendations.
“The rapid growth of aquaculture in Northern Patagonia highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to fish health management and responsible antimicrobial use. This project represents an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between Argentine and Chilean institutions, generate relevant evidence, and support informed decision making to promote the sustainable development of the sector” Pablo Moreno, project lead researcher.
Project overview
The project, “Policy Framework and Determinants of Antimicrobial Use in Trout Aquaculture in Northern Patagonia, Argentina,” is led by the Center of Applied Ecology of Neuquén (CEAN), in collaboration with the Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Aquaculture (CASA) at the University of Chile and relevant national and provincial public sector and regulatory institutions.
The project will conduct a mixed-methods diagnostic assessment of antimicrobial use (AMU) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture in Neuquén and Río Negro. It will characterize fish health management practices and AMU, review the regulatory and institutional frameworks governing antimicrobial use, and identify regulatory, behavioural and operational determinants.
Data collection will include available farm records, veterinary prescriptions, production and treatment documentation, stakeholder interviews and institutional and regulatory documents. The project will also promote knowledge exchange between Argentina and Chile, drawing on CASA’s expertise and relevant regional experiences. Findings will inform priority areas for improved antimicrobial stewardship and potential future implementation research.
“This project brings together aquaculture experts from Argentina and Chile to generate the evidence needed to inform the development and implementation of antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in Argentina’s aquaculture sector, drawing on Chile’s experience. Beyond strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and national technical and research capacity, the project will establish a regional network of experts to identify evidence gaps, share knowledge, and prioritise actions to support AMU and AMR surveillance in fish aquaculture systems” Claudia Cobo-Angel, Science Advisor
Intended outcomes
The project will generate evidence to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and inform decision-making in trout aquaculture in Northern Patagonia.
Expected outcomes include an improved understanding of antimicrobial use (AMU) patterns and fish health management practices; a characterization of the regulatory and institutional framework, including implementation and oversight challenges; and the identification and prioritization of regulatory, behavioural and operational gaps influencing AMU.
The project will also strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange between Argentine stakeholders and CASA, supporting regional learning and capacity development. Its findings will provide a basis for evidence-informed recommendations to improve antimicrobial use documentation, monitoring, coordination and responsible treatment practices.
Finally, the diagnostic assessment will identify feasible priorities for future implementation research and potential targeted interventions. These outcomes will contribute to Argentina’s broader One Health response to antimicrobial resistance by addressing knowledge gaps in aquatic animal production and supporting the objectives of the National Action Plan for 2026–2029.
