Knowledge, attitude and practices of the farmers on the use of antimicrobial drugs in poultry production in Teso sub-region.

Abstract

The worldwide increase in the use of antibiotics as an integral part of the poultry and livestock production industry to treat and prevent infectious bacterial diseases and as growth promoters at sub-therapeutic levels in feeds: has led to development of antibiotic resistance. The appearance of antimicrobial resistance has been directly linked to the misuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistant bacteria have been found in poultry farms. where antibiotics are heavily used. The main aim of this study was to investigate the use of antimicrobial agents by poultry farmers in Teso sub-region. This was done by assessing their knowledge, attitudes and practices in the use of antimicrobial drugs in poultry production. The study was done, using a cross sectional survey design and the sample size was obtained using the formula as described by (Ajay &" Micah, 2014) data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive analysis procedures of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists. 64.3% of the respondents attended farmer trainings on the poultry production while 35.7%· of respondents had no any training. All the farmers knew some drugs used in the poultry production and 57.1% knew-about antimicrobial resistance while 42.9%;' 64:7% of respondents claimed that using antimicrobial drugs continuously prevents disease outbreak, 8% said that it increases drug resistance 85% of respondents said that it causes harm to human health and 18·8% did not have any idea. It is therefore 'recommended that. improvement in the existing veterinary legislations of use of veterinary drugs with the ultimate aim of protecting the public health will forestall the misuse of antibiotics. Also education of the public on the dangers of indiscriminate use of antibiotics and medications especially in poultry and livestock farms is imperative.