Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Broiler Farmers in Mzimba, Malawi

Background: There is wide use of antimicrobials in chicken production worldwide. However, little is known about the factors that motivate poultry farmers towards antimicrobial use (AMU), and awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and how such factors can lead to AMR in bacterial poultry pathogens, particularly those isolated from chicken meat. Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the use of antimicrobials among chicken farmers in the Mzimba district, Malawi. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 89 chicken farmers in Mzimba to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to AMU and AMR. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15, applying linear regression and Pearson correlations analysis for KAP scores. Results: Among the chicken farmers, 46.1%, 43.8%, and 42.7% demonstrated good knowledge, attitudes, and practices, respectively. Training on AMU and AMR was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.002) and practices (p = 0.02). There was a weak relationship among knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores with p-values of 0.2, 0.07, and -0.05. Gaps existed in coordination between veterinarians and farmers and all farmers (100%) were accessing antimicrobials from veterinary shops without consulting veterinarians. Farmers were not aware of policies related to AMR and AMU. Conclusion: chicken farmers exhibited low KAP levels on AMU and AMR. This situation constitutes an emergency of AMR and therefore underscores for policy development targeted enforce regulations, and improve KAP through trainings programs on AMU, AMR, and importance of consulting veterinarians in chicken production.