Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of livestock farmers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance, and residues in selected zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia

Abstract The misuse of antimicrobials in food-producing animals plays a major role in the development of antimicrobial resistance and residues, posing a serious health challenge in developing nations like Ethiopia. This research aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) status of livestock farmers with respect to antimicrobial use (AMU), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial residues. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023. We determined the KAP of livestock farmers of the two selected zones of Oromia (n = 570). The KAP of livestock farmers was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Eighteen items were used to assess livestock farmers’ KAP. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between different predictor variables and the KAP scores of the participants. The result showed that 55.5% of the farmers were from Buno Bedele zone and 44.5% were from Ilubabor zone. The results showed that 78% of farmers used antimicrobials in the last 6 months for different purposes. Antibiotics (64%) and anthelminthic (36%) were the most widely used antimicrobials to treat livestock diseases. Most farmers (79.5%) lacked knowledge about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue, while 84.3% had a negative attitude about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue. Similarly, 78.0% of the livestock farmers were found to be practicing improperly about AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residue. All questions evaluating the KAP of livestock farmers showed a significant association (p < 0.05) with their respective KAP categories. Educational level of livestock farmers was correlated to their attitudes (OR = 2.47) and practices (OR = 4.77) regarding AMU, AMR, and antimicrobial residues. The experience in animal rearing are also positively correlated with their knowledge (OR = 1.55) and practices regarding AMU, AMR and antimicrobial residues. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that farmers in the study area have poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and bad practices about AMU, AMR, and antimicrobial residues. Therefore, enhancing farmers’ awareness is essential to minimize the irrational use of antimicrobials, thereby decreasing the occurrence of AMR.