Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Poultry Farmers on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Kitwe, Zambia: Implications on Antimicrobial Stewardship

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.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health

“…In Zambia, the misuse of enrofloxacin, a quinolone commonly used in poultry, is evidenced by the resistance rates of E. coli to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid in our present study, a recent comparable study 87 and the ease of access to poultry antibiotics, 33 , 88 in Zambia. This finding aligns with similar resistance patterns of E. coli to quinolones reported in other studies.…”

“… 44 This high resistance may be partially attributed to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry. 33 The detection of 64.6% MDR E. coli in our study is a public health concern requiring urgent attention and control of antibiotic use in poultry. Similar findings were reported in other studies.…”

Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics for prophylaxis in broiler chickens in Lusaka District, Zambia: findings and implications on one health

“… 16 , 17 In poultry production, the increased use and misuse of antibiotics is a worldwide problem due to an increase in the global demand for chicken meat and also to promote the growth and well-being of broiler chickens. 4 , 5 , 7 , 11 , 18 Consequently, this increased use and misuse may lead to the development and spread of AMR in poultry. 1 …”

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Risk Factors Associated with ESBL-Producing and MDR Escherichia coli in Hospital and Environmental Settings in Lusaka, Zambia: Implications for One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance Systems

“…High resistance to Ceftriaxone [ 129 , 130 ], Ceftazidime [ 125 ], and Nalidixic acid [ 125 ] has also been reported. In Zambia, there is an overuse and misuse of antibiotics such as cephalosporins, which could be a driver of the high resistance [ 63 , 64 , 90 , 131 ].…”