Definition and classification of fish medicine

Drugs refer to substances that are used to prevent, treat, diagnose diseases and assist the body to restore normal function. As the name implies, fishery medicine refers to the drugs specially used in fishery to ensure the healthy growth of aquatic animals and plants. Therefore, its scope of application is limited to the aquaculture industry, while the substances used in capture fisheries and fishery products processing industry are not included in the category of fishery drugs. Modern aquaculture fishery is divided into two parts: fish, shrimp, shellfish, tortoise, soft-shelled turtle and other aquatic animals and algae such as porphyra and kelp. Therefore, fishery medicine is also divided into aquatic plant medicine and aquatic animal medicine, which can also be called aquatic medicine. There is a close relationship between aquatic animals and veterinary drugs, while aquatic plant drugs are closely related to pesticides. It should be pointed out that the current international research, development and application of fishery medicine are mainly focused on aquatic animal medicine, so fishery medicine is often limited to aquatic animal medicine in a narrow sense.

Fishery medicine is not only an important weapon to fight against diseases, insects and pests of aquatic animals and plants, but also an important means to improve the health of aquatic animals and plants and promote their growth and development. The purpose of the application of fishery medicine is to ensure and increase fishery production. The main characteristic of aquaculture fishery is that all kinds of farmed species must live in water, and all kinds of water bodies are usually inhabited or sinister places of microorganisms, parasites and a wide variety of aquatic organisms. Water is also an excellent solvent for chemical substances and a suspending agent for organic matter and dust. Under the action of human factors, especially under unfavorable culture conditions, such as the deterioration of water quality, it is easy to create conditions for the occurrence and prevalence of diseases. Therefore, as a fishery medicine, it must have one of the following eight functions, namely: (1) to treat diseases; (2) to prevent diseases; (3) to eliminate and control enemies; (4) to improve the culture environment; (5) to improve body health; (6) to enhance disease resistance; (7) to promote growth; and (8) to diagnose diseases. However, water and aquatic products are important parts of human life, and there is no absolute boundary between drugs and poisons. improper use of fishery drugs can directly or indirectly affect the health of human and animal bodies or the environment and ecology. Therefore, as a fishery medicine, we must also consider: (1) safety; (2) accumulation; (3) environmental pollution. In other words, fishery medicine is also subject to the restriction of pharmaceutical law.

According to the nature and function of fishery medicine, our definition of fishery medicine is: in order to increase the production of aquaculture fisheries, to prevent, control and treat diseases, insects and pests of aquatic animals and plants, and to promote the healthy growth of farmed species, all substances used to improve disease resistance and improve the quality of aquaculture water. All fishery drugs must comply with the relevant national regulations on drug administration.

Drugs are usually classified according to their pharmacological effects. However, due to insufficient pharmacological research, fishery drugs are basically classified for the purpose of use.

1. Environmental improver drugs used for the purpose of improving the environment of aquaculture waters, including base site improver, water quality improver and ecological condition improver.

2. A drug used for the purpose of killing microorganisms (including protozoa) in a water body.

3. Antimicrobials refer to drugs that kill or inhibit the reproduction and growth of microorganisms in the body by oral administration or injection. Including antiviral agents, antibacterials, antifungal agents and so on.

4. Insecticidal and deworming drugs refer to drugs that kill or dispel parasites in vitro or in vivo and harmful invertebrates in water through medicine bath or internal administration. Including antiprotozoal drugs, anti-worm drugs and anti-crustacean drugs.

5. Metabolic improvement and strengthening drugs refer to the drugs used for the purpose of improving the metabolism of the cultured object, strengthening the body physique, recovering after illness and promoting growth. It is usually used as a bait additive.

6. Chinese herbal medicine refers to the processed or unprocessed medicinal plants used for the purpose of preventing and controlling aquatic animal and plant diseases or improving the health of breeding objects, also known as natural medicines.

7. Biological products are pharmaceuticals made by biochemistry or biotechnology, usually with special functions. Including vaccines, immune activators, some hormones, biological water purification agents and so on.

8. Other drugs, including antioxidants, anesthetics, anti-mildew agents, synergists, etc., are used as auxiliary drugs.

The purpose of the classification of fishery medicine is to facilitate its use. In fact, some drugs have a variety of functions, such as lime not only has the effect of improving the environment, but also has the effect of disinfection. Some commercial drugs, after scientific compatibility, can have antibacterial and health care functions. With the progress of pharmaceutical science and technology, the classification may be changed reasonably.