The major aquatic species farmed in Europe are Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and carp. Eels, flat-fish, mussels, oysters and crayfish are also produced. Northern Europe, with more temperate climates, centers its production around the salmonidae; further south and east eels and various species of carp are farmed. Farm systems vary from extensive fishing lakes to highly intensive tank units. Drugs and chemicals appear to be reasonably available in Europe to fish farmers. Three antimicrobials are currently licensed for use in food fish. Current legislation on the use of chemicals on fish farms does not adequately cover the present situation and so, almost any chemical which does not have to be given by a veterinarians prescription is available for a fish farmer. The constraints on future development of medicines for aquaculture industry are discussed together with the problems of generic prescribing.
