KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON ANTIMICROBIAL USE IN BROILER AND LAYER FARMS AT CUMILLA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global public health concern and it is directly linked to the use of antibiotics by livestock farmers especially poultry and dairy farmers. This study was conducted to assess the current situation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of farmers regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) in poultry farms in Cumilla district of Bangladesh. Information of farmers was collected in a pre-structured questionnaire and chi-square test was used to examine relationships between knowledge, attitude and practice. The findings indicated that farmers had a little knowledge about on AMR and ethical use of antibiotics. Majority of the farmers showed positive attitude towards use of antibiotics. However, practices regarding AMU were poor among the poultry farmers. The study also demonstrated that layer farmers had better idea about antibiotics and had a good practice compared to broiler farmers. The gap in the knowledge and attitude of the farmer’s regarding AMU could be a potential factor of AMR. Further study can help build a more accurately address the situation and help build a correct pathway to combat AMR.