Knowledge levels regarding antibiotics and their use among horse owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the use of antimicrobials in horses, focusing on administration practices, adherence to veterinary prescriptions, and the impact on the development of antimicrobial resistance. The research was based on a questionnaire completed by 220 horse owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The data collected covered aspects including antibiotic use, prescription sources, the performance of culture and susceptibility tests, and the disposal of veterinary drug waste. The results indicated that 98.63% of horse owners administered antibiotics mainly to treat respiratory diseases. However, adherence to veterinary prescriptions was limited, with only 47.72% of horse owners correctly following the guidelines regarding dosage and treatment duration. Additionally, 68.18% of horse owners did not perform culture tests prior to antimicrobial treatment, and many obtained antibiotic recommendations from non-professional sources, such as friends or staff at veterinary product stores. These findings suggest that inappropriate antibiotic use practices, such as empirical and non-prescribed use, are contributing to the rise in antimicrobial resistance. The need for educational campaigns targeting horse owners is critical to raise awareness about the importance of rational antimicrobial use, risks of indiscriminate use, and necessity of performing laboratory tests to select appropriate treatment options.