Evaluating poultry farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and farm-level practices contributing to antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious and growing global threat to both human and animal health, with the misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming identified as a major contributing factor. In Uganda, particularly in semi-urban areas such as Kakiri Sub-County in Wakiso District, poultry farmers frequently use antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention, often without adequate knowledge or professional guidance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of poultry farmers regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance in this region. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 196 poultry farmers using structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that while 66.3% of farmers had heard of antibiotic withdrawal periods, only a portion adhered to the recommended waiting times before collecting poultry products. Although 61.7% of respondents were aware of antibiotic residues in poultry products, only 26.0% understood the associated health risks, such as toxicity and antibiotic resistance in humans. Misconceptions were also observed, including the misclassification of anti-parasitic drugs as antibiotics. Practices at the farm level highlighted concerning trends: 77.0% of farmers reported using antibiotics, with oxytetracycline being the most commonly used. Many farmers administered drugs without veterinary consultation, and only 17.3% reported engaging professional veterinary services. Additionally, a significant number of farmers lacked proper recordkeeping and sourced antibiotics from non-regulated outlets, increasing the risk of improper use and AMR development. In conclusion, although farmers in Kakiri Sub-County demonstrate moderate knowledge of antibiotic use, their practices and attitudes reveal critical gaps that contribute to the misuse of antimicrobials. There is a pressing need for targeted education, stronger regulatory oversight and expanded access to veterinary support to promote responsible antimicrobial use and curb the spread of resistance.