Bridging antimicrobial stewardship gaps in small ruminant practice: Insights from a veterinary survey in Southern Tamil Nadu, India

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to global public health, with the livestock sector significantly contributing to its emergence. This cross-sectional study evaluated antimicrobial use (AMU) practices, awareness, and operational challenges among veterinarians managing small ruminants in Southern Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 287 veterinary practitioners were surveyed using structured questionnaires. The study identified enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and gentamicin as the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, primarily administered intramuscularly to treat enteritis, pyrexia, and mastitis. However, only 4.6% of respondents conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and merely 12.5% attempted pathogen identification prior to treatment, reflecting a heavy reliance on empirical therapy. Despite high theoretical awareness of antibiotic residues (85.7%) and withdrawal periods (91.4%), only 26.4% consistently communicated withdrawal instructions to farmers—posing risks to food safety. Geographic analysis revealed significant variation in prescription patterns across districts (p<0.05), with Tirunelveli reporting the highest antibiotic usage, correlating with elevated AMR case reports (F = 18.74, p = 0.0015). The findings highlight critical gaps between knowledge and practice, underscoring the urgent need for (1) improved diagnostic infrastructure, (2) continuous professional development on antimicrobial stewardship, and (3) stricter regulatory frameworks to guide veterinary AMU. This study provides actionable insights for tailoring stewardship interventions in India’s small ruminant sector to reduce AMR risks while maintaining livestock productivity.