Antimicrobial Use in Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Kiambu County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Background: Antibiotic resistance is putting the commercial poultry production systems across the globe at risk of losses due to the failure of treatments for animals and human health which has been associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming. One possible approach to the resistance problem is ensuring adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use by farmers on commercial production systems across the globe are applied. Therefore, the current study was carried out to determine factors that could promote antimicrobial use in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use. One hundred and fifty-six (n = 156) semi-structured questionnaires imprinted in a mobile Open data kit were administered to capture the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial usage in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County. Results: Out of the 156 commercial poultry farmers who participated in this study, females accounted for (64%) with 51% of them keeping layers between 50 - 500 birds as medium scale farmers. In the study, most of the farmers were 45 years and above (61%) and they had obtained a secondary level of education (34%). We further noted that 67% of the farmers obtain antibiotics through self-prescription/personal experience. Additional lack of veterinary officers (77%) and consultation services (72%) was also mentioned as key challenges in poultry production. The majority of the respondents (63%), indicated Tetracycline as the most commonly used antibiotic in their farms, with the most preferred subtypes of tetracycline and Amoxicillin being Oxytetracyclines (85%) and Amoxi (88%) respectively. Nearness to veterinary services significantly (P < 0.05) contributed to the use of antibiotics agents. Additionally, the area of residence, type of production, number of years in farming, and average number of birds kept also significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the level of knowledge and practice on antimicrobial usage. Conclusion: Generally, the level of knowledge and practice on antibiotic use among commercial poultry farmers in Kiambu County is still lacking. This was witnessed with continued use of antibiotics without a prescription from veterinary/livestock extension offices, which is inconsistent with the general recommendation on antimicrobial stewardship. Therefore, the current research calls for intervention measures such as extensive education to farmers on the rational use of antimicrobial agents in commercial poultry disease management, observance of withdrawal periods, and the impacts of residues on public health.