Antibiotic traces from salmon farms found in Australian marine species

Traces of antibiotics from salmon farms in the Australian island state of Tasmania have been detected in wild marine species over 10 kilometers away, sparking contamination and resistance fears.

Public health authorities said the amounts detected pose no risk to human health from eating seafood, but experts warned Thursday that even low concentrations could generate bacterial tolerance.

Tests by the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies found low levels of florfenicol, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial disease in farmed salmon, in abalone, urchins, lobsters and other native species near farm leases south of the state capital, Hobart.

Of 840 samples, 165 tested positive for florfenicol traces up to 0.06 mg/kg, with 209 results pending, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania reported Wednesday.

University of Queensland's antibiotic resistance expert Mark Blaskovich said the levels were "ideal for generating resistance," which could have wider implications for aquatic and human health.

Fisheries zones near Bruny Island, within 3 km of the salmon farms using the antibiotic, remain closed amid concerns over international market restrictions that impose zero tolerance for antibiotic residues.

Salmon companies began using the drug in November at three D'Entrecasteaux Channel sites in southeastern Tasmania and have since expanded to 16 in the region.