Question

Which of the following is not a prophylaxis measure in aquaculture ?

• A. Probiotic
• B. Antibiotic
• C. Immunostimulant
• D. Biosecurity

Hint:

Prophylaxis = prevention of disease (probiotics, immunostimulants, biosecurity); Therapeutics = treatment of active disease (antibiotics).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Disease management in aquaculture uses both preventive (prophylactic) measures to avoid the onset of diseases and treatment (therapeutic) measures to cure active infections.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the terms and classify them as prophylactic or therapeutic:
1. Prophylaxis: Refers to any measure taken to prevent a disease or infection from occurring.
- Probiotics (A): Beneficial live microorganisms administered to improve the gut microflora and exclude pathogens, acting as a preventive measure.
- Immunostimulants (C): Chemical substances (like beta-glucans) that boost the host's non-specific immune system, making them more resistant to prospective infections (preventive).
- Biosecurity (D): Practical hygiene and quarantine measures designed to prevent the introduction of pathogens into a farm facility (preventive).
2. Therapeutics: Refers to measures taken to cure, manage, or treat an active, established disease.
- Antibiotics (B): Chemical antimicrobial agents used specifically to treat and cure active bacterial infections in diseased fish. Because their preventative use is discouraged due to the risk of selecting for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, they are classified strictly as therapeutic agents rather than prophylactic measures.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, Antibiotic is not a prophylaxis measure in aquaculture.