At Huon, we believe that caring for our salmon requires a holistic approach. Effective site management, responsible fish husbandry, and rigorous biosecurity practices are all essential to maintaining fish health and preventing the spread of disease.
Vaccines play an important role in protecting fish health and serve as the first line of defence against disease. While medical treatments remain important, they are used only as a last resort to prevent animal welfare issues and stock losses. This approach means we are continually working to developing proactive diet regimes and vaccines that allow our salmon to combat known illnesses and lead healthy lives.
In addition, our Selective Breeding Program is designed to raise stronger, healthier salmon that are well suited to local conditions. Using advanced genetics, real performance data, and cutting-edge technology, we carefully select broodstock that demonstrate desirable traits such as improved resilience and adaptability, while maintaining strong genetic diversity. This ensures that each generation of salmon is better equipped to thrive, supporting the long-term welfare of our stock.
Although we have these preventative measures in place, if our veterinarian determines that treatment with medicines such as florfenicol (FFC) is necessary, it is carried out under supervision, fully reported, and strictly regulated by the government.
It is important to note that strict rules are in place to ensure any medicines pass through the fish long before they are harvested, in accordance with government regulatory requirements.
Huon participates in an annual national residue survey to monitor levels of therapeutants in food products, ensuring we comply with a maximum residue limit, which refers to the highest concentrations of residue that is legally permitted or accepted in a food, based on good agricultural and medical use practices. www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/food/nrs.
Please note that while all regulatory reporting is up to date, Huon Aquaculture proactively notifies the community when FFC is used at any of our marine leases.
Current treatment:
| Date of treatment: | No. of pens: | Lease/s: | Type of treatment: | Reason for treatment: |
| Sunday, 14 December 2025 | 6 | Zuidpool South Lease | Florfenicol (FFC) | P. salmonis |
For further details please see Salmon Tasmania’s fact sheet: Salmon Tasmania fact sheet
Or visit: epa.tas.gov.au/florfenicol