An assessment of antibiotic use and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance in poultry a case of Chikomba district, Chivhu Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study examined antibiotic use practices and their contribution to a AMR among poultry farmers in Chikomba District, Chivhu, Zimbabwe. The study was initiated due to rising worries about the improper use of antibiotics in animal farming and the increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant danger to both animal welfare and public health. It therefore aims to explore antibiotic usage practices among poultry farmers, assess farmers’ awareness of antimicrobial resistance, and identify the determinants of antibiotic misuse associated with poultry farming. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected in the survey of 50 poultry farmers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, regression analysis, and relationship analysis. Antibiotic usage among poultry farmers was evident in the results of the study, with 96% of respondents admitting to using antibiotics in their poultry production, as well as 80% using antibiotics at regular intervals in each cycle of their production. The study revealed low levels of awareness about antimicrobial resistance, as 58% of the respondents surveyed were unaware of AMR and 61.4% were unaware of how bacteria develop resistance. Similarly, 67.3% of participants did not know the withdrawal periods. The most significant contributors to the misuse of antibiotics were: (a) lack of veterinary guidance (36%) (b) limited knowledge of antibiotics (30%) (c) easy access to antibiotics (20%) and (d) disease outbreaks (14%). Using linear regressions, frequency of antibiotic use and AMR awareness are significantly negatively associated, while limited access to veterinary care significantly positively predicts antibiotic misuse. The study found that inappropriate antibiotic use practices by poultry farmers lead to the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The study suggests improving veterinary extension services, providing farmers with more education around antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring biosecurity, and stricter regulation of antibiotic distribution and use in poultry farming systems.