A survey of free-range egg farmers in the United Kingdom: Knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antimicrobial use and resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global challenge affecting human health and attention has been drawn to practices of all stakeholders involved in antimicrobial prescription and administration, including in the livestock sector. This survey of free-range egg farmers (n = 117) was conducted to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antimicrobial use, and identify farmer-led solutions towards responsible antimicrobial use. Most participants proved knowledgeable of AMR and selected treatments based on principles of responsible medicine use. ‘Worms’ and ‘infectious diseases’ were the most common reasons for medicine use. Farms with a higher number of poultry houses, younger flock ages at depopulation and farms visited by a vet less than once a year or 3–4 times a year (compared to annually or twice a year) were more likely to select ‘ANTIBIOTICS ONLY’, as opposed to ‘BOTH ANTIBIOTICS AND ANTIPARASITICS’ or ‘ANTIPARASITICS ONLY’ as their most frequently used medicines. Participants from farms with a younger flock age at depopulation, from company-owned farms, and participants purchasing medicines from agricultural merchants instead of veterinary practices were less likely to be taking measures to reduce or replace antimicrobial use. Participants from larger farms and those that had less contact with their vet were less likely to think that they could reduce or replace the amount of antibiotics used. Survey results provided evidence for the important role of veterinarians in guiding antimicrobial stewardship through engagement, collaboration and education. Discussion groups in which farmers share best practices could assist the free-range egg industry in further promoting responsible antimicrobial use.