Factors Influencing Pig Farmers’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Antimicrobial Use and Resistance

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of increasing concern in livestock production as usage has been linked to the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans. The intricacies of the UK pig production system alongside limited research into farmers perceptions has highlighted the need to investigate farmers perceptions and attitudes to gain an understanding of the factors that influence antimicrobial use (AMU). Therefore, this study aimed to qualitatively explore pig farmers views of AMU, AMR and to identify the specific factors that influence antibiotic administration practices in the UK pig industry. Methods: 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with independent pig farmers in Northern Ireland and vertically integrated pig farmers in England, eliciting perceptions towards AMU and AMR and exploring administration practices. The interviews were professionally transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. Results: Eight themes were identified that influenced pig farmers AMU: (1) knowledge and awareness of AMR; (2) disease and perceived need for treatment; (3) use of alternatives; (4) farm characteristics; (5) economic considerations; (6) veterinary surgeon-farmer relationship; (7) external pressures and (8) production stage. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the complexity of the UK pork industry and the myriad of factors that drive AMU. AMU in the pork sector is multifactorial as drivers of administration are diverse and differ between farms. Therefore, it is recommended that farms are assessed on an individual basis in collaboration with a veterinary surgeon to determine the most effective tailor-made antibiotic reduction techniques.