Antibiotic Use in Poultry Production in Grenada.

Lindonne Glasgow,Catherine Mahoney,Stephanie Fletcher,Darren Brow,Martin Forde,Shelly Rodrigo

doi:10.1155/2019/6785195

Abstract

Objective Research is often lacking in low-income countries to substantiate the regulation of antibiotics in poultry production. Nonregulation of antibiotics in food animal industries has implications for human health. This study was conducted to provide an understanding of farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of antibiotics in poultry production in Grenada. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in August-September, 2016, surveying 30 poultry farmers each having 500 or more chickens grown for commercial purposes. Results More than 1000 birds were kept on 18 (60.0%) farms. Antibiotics were used on the majority of farms (25, 83.3%). More than half of the respondents, 19 (63.3%), stated they were only somewhat aware of issues related to the use of antibiotics and the majority, 21 (70.0%), were also unable to define antimicrobial resistance. There was inconsistency in the farmers' knowledge about how and when to use antibiotics. There was also a high level of noncompliance with manufacturers' recommendations for use of antibiotics. The respondents were not aware of local programs to monitor antibiotic use or manage antibiotic resistance in the poultry industry. Conclusion Generally, the farmers' knowledge and practices were inconsistent with recommendations by the World Health Organization for antibiotic stewardship. While low-income countries, such as Grenada, are challenged with the lack of resources to undertake research and implement responsive actions, this research highlights the need for some immediate measures of remedy, such as education of farmers and monitoring procurement and use of antibiotics, to reduce risk to public health.

Highlights

The World Health Organization (WHO) identified antibiotic resistance as one major global human health challenge [1]
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animal production is an important factor contributing to the surge of antibiotic resistance [2, 3]
A cross-sectional study was conducted over two months from August to September, 2016, including all poultry farms listed by the Ministry of Agriculture in Grenada with 500 or more chickens grown for commercial purposes

Summary

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) identified antibiotic resistance as one major global human health challenge [1]. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animal production is an important factor contributing to the surge of antibiotic resistance [2, 3]. In many low-income countries, antibiotic use in food animals remains unregulated, leading to inappropriate use of the drugs and widespread increase in antibiotic resistance [4]. There is evidence that the lack of education for farmers on the proper use of antibiotics, limited awareness programs, and the widespread dependency on antibiotics are additional factors that contribute to exacerbating this problem [2, 5]. There is very little reliable data on the quantity of antibiotics used in food animal production. There are indications, that nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in animals far outweighs its use in humans. It was estimated that close to 25 million pounds of antimicrobials are used for nontherapeutic purposes in chickens, pigs, and cows whereas only 3 million pounds are used for human medicine [6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion