TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Poultry Farmers on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Kitwe, Zambia: Implications on Antimicrobial Stewardship
AUTHORS:
Samuel Chilawa, Steward Mudenda, Victor Daka, Misheck Chileshe, Scott Matafwali, Billy Chabalenge, Prudence Mpundu, Webrod Mufwambi, Shafiq Mohamed, Ruth Lindizyani Mfune
KEYWORDS:
Antibiotics, Antimicrobials, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Attitudes, Knowledge, Livestock, Poultry Farmers, Practices
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.13 No.1,
December
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The inappropriate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in
chicken production has led to an increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial
resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is little information documented regarding
the knowledge, attitude, and practices of poultry farmers on AMU and AMR.
Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding
AMU and AMR among poultry farmers in Kitwe, Zambia. Methods: This was a
cross-sectional study conducted among 106 poultry farmers from November to
December 2021 using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using
IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Overall,
of the 106 participants, 90.6% knew what antimicrobials were, but only 29.2% were aware
of AMR. The study showed that 46.2% of the participants had low knowledge,
71.7% had negative attitudes, and 61.3% had poor practices regarding AMR. The
prevalence of antibiotic use in poultry production was 83%. The most used
antimicrobials were tetracycline (84%) and gentamicin (35.2%). The commonly
reported reason for the use of antimicrobials was for the treatment (93.2%) and
prevention (89.8%) of diseases. Further, 76.9% of the administered
antimicrobials were usually done without veterinarian consultation or
prescription. Conclusion: The study shows that there was high AMU in
poultry farms in Kitwe. However, there was low knowledge, negative attitude,
and poor practices towards AMU and AMR. Therefore, there is a need for
educational and sensitisation programmes regarding AMU and AMR
among poultry farmers in Kitwe, Zambia. Alongside this, antimicrobial
stewardship and surveillance systems should be strengthened in the livestock
production sector. This will ensure food safety and public health.