Access to services and drugs, and practices and knowledge related to antimicrobial resistance, among smallholder pig farmers in Uganda

Abstract

To mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic use (ABU) in the livestock sector needs to be reduced. In low- and middle-income countries, regulations have shown to be less successful in reducing ABU. Here, a bottom-up approach can complement legal frameworks which requires an understanding of the drivers for ABU. In this study, we investigated the influence of geographic and socioeconomic settings on determinants for ABU among pig farmers in Uganda. The data was collected through a questionnaire (containing 75 questions) in two districts, Lira and Mukono, and comparative statistical analyses were performed. Farmers in Lira had lower access to animal health services, applied disease preventive measures less and used antibiotics more. In Mukono, it was more common to consult a veterinarian in response to disease, while it in Lira was more common to consult an animal health worker. There was no difference in how many that followed treatment instructions from a veterinarian, but it was more common in Lira to follow instructions from pharmacies. The findings support the need for locally tailored AMR-reducing interventions to complement regulations. To accomplish this tailoring, systematic collection of knowledge of farm structures, farm practices and access to animal health services and veterinary drugs is necessary.