Abstract
Frequent and unregulated use of antimicrobials (AM) in livestock requires public health attention as a likely selection pressure for resistant bacteria. Studies among small-holders, who own a large percentage of the world’s livestock, are vital for understanding how practices involving AM use might influence resistance. We present a cultural-ecological mixed-methods analysis to explore sectors of veterinary care, loosely regulated AM use, and human exposure to AMs through meat and milk consumption across three rural to peri-urban Tanzanian ethnic groups (N = 415 households). Reported use of self-administered AMs varied by ethnic group (Maasai: 74%, Arusha: 21%, Chagga: 1%) as did consultation with professional veterinarians (Maasai: 36%, Arusha: 45%, Chagga: 96%) and observation of withdrawal of meat and milk from consumption during and following AM treatment (Maasai: 7%, Arusha: 72%, Chagga: 96%). The antibiotic oxytetracycline was by far the most common AM in this sample. Within ethnic groups, herd composition differences, particularly size of small-stock and cattle herds, were most strongly associated with differences in lay AM use. Among the Arusha, proxies for urbanization, including owning transportation and reliance on “zero-grazing” herds had the strongest positive associations with veterinarian consultation, while distance to urban centers was negatively associated. For Maasai, consultation was negatively associated with use of traditional healers or veterinary drug-shops. Observation of withdrawal was most strongly associated with owning technology among Maasai while Arusha observance displayed seasonal differences. This “One-Health” analysis suggests that livelihood and cultural niche factors, through their association with practices in smallholder populations, provide insight into the selection pressures that may contribute to the evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health concern [1,2,3] and the use of commercial antimicrobials (AM) in livestock is considered an important component of this problem [4,5,6]
With widespread AM use, low levels of professional consultation, and exposure to meat and milk from animals under antibiotic treatment, we suggest that the Maasai are more reliant on lay sector veterinary care
Across northern Tanzania, dependence on professional and lay sectors of veterinary care vary with ethnic differences in herd management and composition, market sales, acculturation and geography
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health concern [1,2,3] and the use of commercial antimicrobials (AM) in livestock is considered an important component of this problem [4,5,6]. The large herds typical of pastoralist groups graze across considerable distances and may experience more exposure to pathogens resulting in greater motivation for AM use, thereby promoting the emergence and selection for AMR. When these herds are found in remote locations, professional veterinary care is probably limited [16]. Smaller “zero-grazing” herds that spend most or all of their life in a pen could experience less exposure to pathogens and resistant bacteria Herd composition, such as the number of cattle and small-stock (sheep and goats) may influence the frequency and type of AM administration. Herd characteristics, and cultural practices are important facets of our analysis
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