Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics are used on Tassal farms only when necessary to treat specific fish health issues, and always under veterinary supervision.
In November 2025, the Commonwealth regulator approved Florfenicol for use in Tasmanian salmon farming. This globally recognised antibiotic is safe for consumers, environmentally responsible, and has over 30 years of proven use in aquaculture and livestock worldwide. Florfenicol joins Oxytetracycline as an approved treatment option and is considered the most effective and environmentally responsible antibiotic for managing P.salmonis, the microbe linked to last summer’s mortalities.
All treatments:
- Are administered via medicated feed
- Require a strictly regulated waiting period after treatment, ensuring all salmon are safe before they reach consumers
- Are publicly reported and monitored by the EPA through a comprehensive environmental testing program
Real-time updates on antibiotic use — including treatment dates, locations, and reasons for use — are published on this dashboard following notification to the EPA and Chief Veterinary Officer.
Tassal remains committed to transparency and science-led, sustainable aquaculture.
