Farmer perceptions of antimicrobial use (AMU) in small and medium-scale broiler farms in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry farming is one of the contributing factors causing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The purpose of this study was to measure farmer perception on the use of antibiotics in broiler farms related to antimicrobial resistance. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 523 broiler farms in Central Java, Lampung and West Kalimantan Provinces in 2018. Enumerators from District Veterinary Service Offices within the provinces interviewed farmers using a structured questionnaire with Likert scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results of the survey indicated that 55% of farmers did not have basic knowledge on AMR, but 59% were aware that excessive use of antibiotics can trigger AMR. About 43% of farmers felt that many antibiotics were no longer effective for treatment, while 31% of farmers assumed that AMR would never be a problem on their farms and 53% thought AMR is only a problem in the human health sector. More than 60% of farmers agreed that the amount of antibiotics used in animals and humans needs to be decreased. The likelihood of using antibiotics on farms was positively influenced by veterinarians (40%), veterinary drug sellers (25%) and other farmers (20%). Farmers were also more likely to use antibiotics for disease prevention (40%) and increased production (28%). More than 70% of farmers agreed that inappropriate use of antibiotics is very costly and that an appropriate antibiotic withdrawal time should be applied before animals are sold. However, 80% of farmers also thought that using antibiotics will provide economic benefits through increased productivity, healthier chickens, reduced mortality and disease prevention. Conclusion: This study shows that broiler farmers only have partial understanding and limited perception of the significance of antibiotic use on AMR. Therefore, an antibiotic stewardship program is critically needed to provide comprehensive knowledge and guidance on antimicrobial use in broiler farms.