Geographic and Socioeconomic Influence on Knowledge and Practices Related to Antimicrobial Resistance among Smallholder Pig Farmers in Uganda

Abstract

To mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic use (ABU) in the livestock sector needs to be reduced. In low- and middle-income countries, regulations have shown to be less successful in reducing ABU. Here, a bottom-up approach can complement legal frameworks, which requires an understanding of the drivers for ABU. In this study, we investigated the influence of geographic and socioeconomic settings on determinants for ABU among pig farmers in Uganda. The data were collected through a questionnaire in two districts, Lira and Mukono, and comparative statistical analyses were performed. Farmers in Lira had less access to animal health services, applied disease prevention measures less and used antibiotics more. In Mukono, it was more common to consult a veterinarian in response to disease, while in Lira it was more common to consult an animal health worker. There was no difference in how many farmers followed treatment instructions from a veterinarian, but it was more common in Lira to follow instructions from pharmacies. The findings support the need for locally tailored AMR-reducing interventions to complement regulations. To accomplish this tailoring, systematic collection of knowledge of farm structures, farm practices and access to animal health services and veterinary drugs is necessary.

Knowledge, perceptions and practices on antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals in Wakiso district, Uganda: A cross sectional study

“…In addition, (91.8%) reported that they commonly received advice on the use of antimicrobials in animals from veterinary workers. Similar findings regarding advice on the use of antimicrobials were found in Bangladesh commercial chicken production farmers [ 48 ] and pig farmers in Uganda [ 49 ]. This finding is different from other studies where advisory input from animal health professionals was rare [ 45 , 47 ].…”

Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli virulence markers in neonatal and postweaning piglets from major pig-producing districts of Uganda

“…The majority (73.2%) of the farmers reported using antibiotics on their farms, and most of them (95.8%) sought professional veterinary care, which implies that there was prudent use of the antibiotics. However, as noted by Nohrborg et al [ 31 ], selling antibiotics is a source of income to animal health practitioners, and thus, most often, they administer these drugs to obtain some money. Therefore, it was imperative for this study to determine the prevalence of E. coli antimicrobial resistance (AMR) against commonly used drugs in pig production.…”

Determinants of animal disease and nontherapeutic antibiotic use on smallholder livestock farms

“…AMUSE is a standardized survey developed by the International Livestock Research Institute to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to antibiotic use and resistance in smallholder livestock farms (14). The survey has been used in Burkina Faso (15), Ethiopia (16), Senegal (17,18), and Uganda (10,19), and adds to a growing bank of knowledge which can inform agricultural AMR policies at the national and international level. The survey allows results to be compared across contexts, and these survey data have been used to write papers similar to this one focusing on Senegal (17) and Uganda (10).…”