Research
Correlation between the use of Antimicrobials and the Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in Poultry and Pig Farms
Antimicrobials are valuable therapeutics whose efficacy is seriously compromised by the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. A survey was carried out to evaluate the relationship between the use of antimicrobials in animal production and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant organisms. The survey was conducted between November, 2012 to May 2013 using structured questionnaires. Responses to the questionnaires were analyzed using linear regression and correlation variables. Results showed that correlation between the use of antimicrobials and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria were both positive and negative on one hand and significant and non-significant on the other hand at 0.01 and 0.05 in both poultry and pig farms. Escherichia coli isolates had a negative (-0.20) non significant (P>0.050) correlation with increase in dosage of antimicrobial given. Negative, non-significant (P>0.05) correlations were found between dosage of antimicrobials given and number of Enterococcus isolates (-0.19). In Table 2, the correlations between the variables were almost positive except between dosage of antimicrobials given and number of Enterococcus isolates where there was no correlation. Results from linear showed that farm size and level of education were significant at 5% and 10% in poultry and pig farms respectively. The results of this study suggest that the amounts and patterns of antimicrobials used in food animals is the major determinant for the propagation of resistant bacteria in the animal reservoir.
A Survey on Antibiotic usage in Pigs and Poultry Birds in Abia State, Nigeria
A survey was conducted (June 2011 to May 2012) on antibiotic usage of 90 poultry farms and 72 piggery farms from 17 local government areas of Abia State, Nigeria. Survey questionnaires were used to identify and prioritize the antibiotics most effective and frequently used, current therapeutic and sub-therapeutic antibiotic usage patterns. The result showed that 65% of poultry and 75% of piggery farms failed to do laboratory analysis prior antibiotic usage and on most farms (70% for poultry, 65% for piggery) antibiotics were administered by the owner/manager. The mode of administration of the antibiotics was 80% through water in poultry and 80% through injection in piggery and 40% of the farmers said they always completed the course of antibiotic treatment. Twelve antibiotics including beta-lactams, streptomycin, tetracycline, macrolides, sulfa-drugs, cephalosporin etc. were used on these farms. These antibiotics were used mainly on weekly basis in poultry (65%) and fortnightly in piggery (40%). The result of this survey suggested that antibiotics are used extensively on poultry and piggery farms for therapeutics, prophylactic and growth purposes. Tetracycline and streptomycin were the most widely used antibiotics to treat mainly enteritis and pneumonia. There is a considerable variation in the management practices on poultry and piggery farms associated with antibiotic use. It is anticipated that the findings of this survey will help to develop new strategies for prudent use of antibiotics in piggery and poultry farms in Abia State, Nigeria
Evaluation of Factors Regarding Misuse of Antimicrobials in Poultry and Piggery Farms in Abia State, Nigeria
A survey was conducted to evaluate the factors that can cause misuse or abuse of antimicrobials in poultry and piggery farms. This evaluation was conducted between May 2011 and April, 2012 using a structured questionnaire distributed by the author to farm managers. The results showed that level of education of farm managers have a role to play in prudent use of antimicrobials. Only a small percentage (10% for poultry,20% for piggery farms) of antimicrobial prescriptions were made by veterinarian, while the key prescriptions (70% poultry, 60% piggery farms) were made by the farmers or the farm managers. Laboratory analysis was not routinely done on samples before antimicrobial administration. Majority of antimicrobial administration (45% for poultry farms, 60% for piggery farms) were based on history of disease and mere observations on the animals. In the poultry farms, 60% of farm managers have degree and they adhered to the average of 3-4 days (65%) duration of antimicrobial administration. The results showed that majority of antimicrobial administrations were made by farm managers with minimal laboratory analysis of samples. It is anticipated that this findings will create awareness on the appropriate use of antimicrobials on farm animals.
