Speaker
Description
Introduction: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of livestock farmers and animal healthcare providers (AHCPs) regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are critical for advancing One Health and monitoring interventions.
Methods: We synthesized cross-sectional KAP surveys, 2020–2024 livestock owners and AHCPs using structured questionnaires on AMU and AMR.
Results and Discussion: Analysis of 15 surveys revealed widespread misuse driven by limited awareness (50%–94%) and neither to substandard and falsified pharmaceuticals, and weak regulation. The frequently used antimicrobials (AMs) were tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, penicillin, trypanocides and anthelmintics. Farmers commonly use AMs over the counter (44%–60%), prophylactically, sharing not uncommon, used leftovers, or incomplete courses, and limited knowledge of withdrawal times which may lead residues in food. AHCPs showed better knowledge but >56% reported inadequate practices. Both groups relied unnecessarily on AMs fuelling AMR, varying by species; reduced effectiveness and increased mortality, food safety risks, and zoonotic transmission. These call for improved access to quality veterinary AMs and regulation on their management, rapid diagnostics, enhanced surveillance, prudent use, continuing education for AHCPs, and application of generic or evidence-based interventions such as good husbandry, biosecurity, and disease prevention practices to mitigate AMR threats.
Keywords
KAP, AMU, AMR, Ethiopia
| Registration ID | OHS26-174 |
|---|---|
| Professional Status of the Speaker | Senior Scientist |
| Junior Scientist Status | No, I am not a Junior Scientist. |
