Assessment of Veterinary Drug Availability, Storage Conditions, and Handling Practices in and Around Nekemte Town, Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia

Animal diseases pose a significant threat to both animal welfare and productivity, making veterinary drugs essential for their prevention, treatment, and control. In developing countries including Ethiopia, several challenges such as limited drug availability, inadequate storage facilities, improper handling, and insufficient knowledge among veterinary professionals impede the delivery of effective veterinary health services. This study aimed to assess the availability of veterinary drugs, storage conditions, and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of veterinary professionals regarding the safe management of these drugs. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 46 veterinary facilities (34 government clinics and 12 private pharmacies), involving 170 veterinary professionals who participated through structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study revealed suboptimal drug availability, with multivitamins being the most commonly available (84.8%), followed by anthelmintic (72.8%) and antibacterial (69.6%), while antifungals were the least available (18.3%). Storage conditions were inadequate in both government clinics (64.5%) and private retailers (65.6%), falling below the acceptable threshold of over 80% for good storage practice. In terms of KAP, 52.4% of professionals demonstrated low knowledge, 77.6% held negative attitudes, and 50.6% exhibited poor practices related to the safe handling and storage of veterinary drugs. These results indicate critical gaps in drug availability, storage standards, and professional competence. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from the Regional Livestock and Agricultural Bureau and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), with emphasis on strengthening supply chains, upgrading storage infrastructure, and implementing targeted training programs for veterinary professionals.