A Study on Farmers' Awareness Levels of Antimicrobial Usage in Selected Areas of Chattogram District

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health problem throughout the world. In Bangladesh, farmers often use antibiotics on dairy cattle without proper regulation or consulting veterinarians. This study aimed to learn about the knowledge and practices of farmers regarding Antimicrobial uses in selected areas of Chattogram District, Bangladesh. A total 21 dairy farms were randomly selected for this study and interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate the awareness level of the farmers. The results of this study indicates, a significant cause of increasing antimicrobial resistance is the improper administration of antibiotics, associated with lack of knowledge about these medications. Farmers were frequently seen treating their animals on their own. They didn't know about AMR, also unaware about antimicrobial misuse. The farmers don’t imagine that antibiotics can predispose in human bodies. The study also shows, the farmers with lower educational background has poorer practice regarding antibiotics. Overall the findings of the current investigation identifies the lack of knowledge and faulty practices of the antibiotics by the dairy farmers where by using this insights, a better antibiotics use policies can be designed for the dairy industry.