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Antimicrobials in animal production: usage and practices among livestock farmers in Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria

Tropical Animal Health and Production volume 48, pages 189–197 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Antimicrobials have proven to be important for sustainable livestock production by their use as growth promoters and in the control of animal infections. However, injudicious use of antimicrobials could accelerate the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains with attendant socioeconomic and public health issues. This work assessed antimicrobial usage in animal production with emphasis on usage and practices by livestock producers in Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria. Data on antimicrobial usage were collected through interviews, questionnaire and focus group discussions. Four hundred and fifty-four farmers in 11 communities within 11 Local Government Areas of Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria were sampled in a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study showed that antimicrobial agents were widely distributed, readily accessible and commonly used in animal production. Fluoroquinolones and other critically important antimicrobials for human medicine were widely used in animals as prophylactics. Potentially harmful antimicrobials including furazolidones and chloramphenicol already banned for use in humans and animals were freely marketed and used in livestock production. Most of the respondents believed that veterinarians should be responsible for the administration of antimicrobials to animals, but in practice, they buy and administer antimicrobials without consulting veterinary professionals. It was observed that the ready availability of antimicrobial agents promoted the use of antimicrobials in livestock production and may encourage non-adherence to hygienic principles and management laxity in farm operations. The non-involvement of veterinary professionals and laboratory investigations in disease diagnosis prior to antimicrobial use could lead to improper usage that contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial strains. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship and strict regulations are vital to prolonging the benefits derivable from the use of antimicrobials.

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Acknowledgments

The research was commissioned by the Ministerial Codex Committee of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    Olufemi Ernest Ojo

  2. Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    Eniola Fabusoro

  3. Department of Veterinary Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Abuja, Nigeria

    Ademola Adetokunbo Majasan

  4. Department of Veterinary Public Health and Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    Morenike Atinuke Dipeolu

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  1. Olufemi Ernest Ojo
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  2. Eniola Fabusoro
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  3. Ademola Adetokunbo Majasan
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  4. Morenike Atinuke Dipeolu
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Correspondence to Olufemi Ernest Ojo.

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Ojo, O.E., Fabusoro, E., Majasan, A.A. et al. Antimicrobials in animal production: usage and practices among livestock farmers in Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 48, 189–197 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0939-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0939-8

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial usage
  • Food animals
  • Practices
  • Farmers
  • Nigeria