A retrospective study on veterinary antimicrobial use in Nigeria, 2014 to 2017

Abstract

The global antimicrobial usage in food animals was estimated at 63,000 tons annually in 2015 and projected to increase by almost 70% in 2030. Reliable data on antimicrobial use (AMU) is crucial for policy formulation and regulation. We determined the quantity and pattern of AMU in Nigeria from 2014-2017. We conducted a retrospective study on imported antimicrobials for veterinary use in the country from 2014-2017. Import data from the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was used for this study. We determined the classes and the quantity of active ingredients of antimicrobials imported into the country as described in the OIE guidance.  A total of 1,392,578 kg (1392.6 tons) of antimicrobials (AM) were imported to Nigeria during the period under review. The year 2015 had the highest AMU (515,892 kg) while 2014 had the least AMU (207000 kg), only seven-month data was collected in 2014. Data indicates a sharp decrease in the amount of AMU in 2016 compared to 2015 (185,084 kg difference) with a slight increase in 2017. Eleven AM classes were imported for the period under review; Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides, Penicillin, Sulfonamides, Polypeptides, Aminoglycosides, Amphenicols, Glycopetides, Pleuromutilins and Nitrofurantoin. Tetracyclines (45.18%) accounted for most of the imported AM for the period of study. Nitrofurantoin and pleuromutilin were only imported in 2016. Penicillin was not imported in 2015 while amphenicols and glycopeptides were not imported in 2016 and 2017. Data collected on AMU in the current study can be used in policy formulation with regards to the use of antimicrobials in the country. We recommend the collection of data on AMU for antimicrobials produced locally or purchased through informal markets across the border as well as from veterinary hospitals/clinics, veterinary outlets and farms which were not reflected in the study; to improve on AMU reporting and more effective AMU policy formulation in the country.