Veterinary drugs handling and usage among the animal owners and veterinary practitioners in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Antimicrobials and anthelmintics are among the most used veterinary drugs for the treatment and prevention of animal diseases. However, information on antimicrobial usage in food animals remains limited in communities of southern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the handling and management practices, sources, and usage of veterinary drugs among food animal producers and veterinary practitioners in the Wolaita Zone. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted between May and August 2021. A pre-tested questionnaire, comprising three sections and a total of 50 questions, was used to collect data from purposively selected 101 veterinary professionals and 149 animal owners. Results This preliminary survey revealed that the distribution of antimicrobials and anthelmintic drugs is inadequate, with limited sources and a wide range of trade names, primarily imported from a few manufacturing countries. Among the veterinary drugs available in the district, those manufactured in and imported from China were the most widely distributed in veterinary drug stores. The study also identified inappropriate transportation and storage conditions. Furthermore, critical and unethical practices were observed, including the sale of drugs without a prescription, failure to advise animal owners on drug withdrawal periods, and the administration of veterinary drugs by non-professionals. Antimicrobials (60.86%) and anthelmintics (39.14%) were the most commonly available and frequently used drugs for the treatment of musculoskeletal, integumentary, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and systemic diseases. Conclusion This study revealed the presence of inappropriate handling and management practices, a limited diversity of veterinary drugs, and insufficient attention by the veterinary profession to proper drug handling in the study area, all of which may compromise drug quality, safety, and effectiveness. Therefore, continuous awareness programs for food animal producers, capacity building and training for veterinary professionals, routine drug quality assessments, and the strict regulation and enforcement of drug control and administration are strongly recommended.