Assessment of Drivers of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Poultry and Domestic Pig Farming in the Msimbazi River Basin in Tanzania

Abstract

Uncontrolled use of drugs both in humans and animals coupled with environmental contamination exacerbate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This paper assessed the drivers of antimicrobial use and resistance in poultry and domestic pig farming and the environment. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect information regarding demographic characteristics, knowledge, practices, attitudes, and perceptions of the drivers of antimicrobial use and resistance in animal farming and the environment. We found a higher proportion of usage of veterinary antimicrobials for prophylactic purposes (87.6%) in animal farming, than for therapeutic purposes (80.5%). The degree of farming experience was significantly (p < 0.05) related to the knowledge on the source of antimicrobial use, methods used in disease diagnosis, access to veterinary services, stocking of antimicrobials at home, and presence of agriculture activities that involve the use of manure. Uncontrolled disposal of wastes from households, disposal of human and veterinary drugs, and weak implementation of the legal framework was identified as the major contributors to the environment. The high usage of veterinary antimicrobials and the environmental contamination identified requires multisectoral interventions, as well as a review of government strategies, policies, and regulations on antimicrobial use.

The Governance and Implementation of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

“…However, lack of information regarding how much is allocated to AMR-specific research is an indication of a lack of clear strategies to achieve the identified AMR objectives and goals. Moreover, in reviewing AMR articles (published from 2018–2020) none has indicated receiving financial assistance from the government of Tanzania [ 6 , 12 , 13 , 22 ].…”

“…The reviewed literature demonstrates contrary findings about AMR education and public awareness in most African countries. Notably, there is little continuing education on AMU for key stakeholders such as prescribers and livestock keepers, including poultry farmers [ 6 ]. In many cases, irrational prescription practices are also driven by subtle violation of medical ethics at the expense of economic and professional profiteering [ 43 ].…”

“…Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat. Several studies have reported the causes of rising AMR, including self-medication [ 1 , 2 ], antibiotic overuse [ 3 ], clinicians’ over-prescription, a strong belief by the public in antibiotics, including non-prescription purchases [ 4 ], veterinary antibiotic use for prophylaxis and growth promotion [ 5 ] and inadequate knowledge on Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial use and limited access to veterinary and extension services, paving the way for self-treatment and opportunism by profit-driven non-professional veterinary drug sellers and weak veterinary laws [ 6 ]. Furthermore, inappropriate antibiotic use, inadequate dosing and incomplete doses are some of the human malpractices that have contributed to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance [ 7 ].…”

“…The development of the NAP was coordinated by the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (herein after referred to as Ministry of Health, MoH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the fact that the NAP has been in place for more than three years, AMR is still a challenge for human, animal and environmental health in Tanzania [ 6 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Staphylococcus aureus in Intensive Pig Production in South Africa: Antibiotic Resistance, Virulence Determinants, and Clonality

“…The transmission of resistant bacteria between animals and humans has also been reported in many studies [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. For example, a report on antimicrobial use and resistance in Africa indicated a 100% prevalence of MDR E. coli in South Africa with isolates highly resistant to sulphonamides, tetracycline, and penicillin [ 33 ]. The high percentage of resistance to these antibiotics may be because they are widely used, favoured by their low cost and availability [ 32 ].…”