Practices and perceptions on antibiotics among broiler farmers in three selected areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

The residual impact of antibiotics and their ineffectiveness against microorganisms has been identified as a global public health concern. This research involved 96 broiler farmers from three selected districts in Bangladesh, conducted between January to March 2024, to investigate the patterns of antibiotic use and farmers' perceptions of antibiotics. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Farmers reported using antibiotics mainly for therapeutic purposes (88.5%), while more than one-third (33.3%) employed them preventively; nearly half (49.0%) relied on the advice of a registered veterinary doctor, whereas 44.8% made independent decisions regarding their use. Ciprofloxacin (46.6%), colistin sulphate (25.0%), and enrofloxacin (19.8%) emerged as the top three therapeutic drugs of choice. Almost half (46.9%) of the participants believed that malabsorption was the primary residual effect of antibiotics. A significant majority (93.8%) of poultry farmers were unaware of antibiotic resistance. The study area shows a common use of antibiotics in broiler farms. To address the issue, appropriate strategies need to be introduced to curb the unethical and self-medicated use of antibiotics in the study region.