Assessment of antimicrobial use in poultry farming: A case study of Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern exacerbated by the misuse of antimicrobials in poultry farming despite its vital role in food supply and nation’s economy. This study assessed knowledge, usage patterns, and factors influencing antimicrobial use among poultry farmers in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State, Nigeria using validated and pretested questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey of 128 farmers revealed that poultry farming was predominantly male-dominated (61.7%) and practiced in rural areas (90.6%). The majority of farmers (82%) had tertiary education, 63.3% had less than five years’ experience while broilers were the most commonly reared species (87.5%), mostly under the intensive system (93.8%). Antimicrobials; tetracyclines (97.7%), penicillin (85.2%), and sulfonamides (61.7%) were the most commonly used antimicrobials, and primarily sourced from local vendors (91.4%). Adherence to withdrawal periods and antimicrobials use for growth promotion stood at 68.8% and 71.9% respectively. Farmers with higher education (82.0%) were more likely to procure antimicrobials from veterinary pharmacies, but education did not significantly influence knowledge of most antimicrobial classes (p > 0.05) while experience in poultry farming correlated with better disease management practices (p < 0.05). The findings highlight gaps in knowledge and regulatory enforcement, underscoring the need for targeted education and stricter policies to promote responsible antimicrobial use and exchange of best practices among farmers which would mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of poultry production in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State, Nigeria.