Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use and resistance among fish farmers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This cross-sectional study of 60 fish farmers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, examined their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use in aquaculture. Although most farmers were aware of antibiotics (80%) and antimicrobial resistance (93%), few showed positive attitudes toward responsible antimicrobial use (35%), and none reported using antibiotics directly. However, several practices posed AMR risks, including the use of treated manure for pond fertilization (38.3%) and irregular pond drainage into the environment. Many farmers lacked formal aquaculture training (80%) and access to extension services (50%). The study recommends strengthening aquaculture extension systems, improving pond management practices, establishing fish disease surveillance, fostering collaboration across institutions, creating farmer-to-farmer learning models, forming cooperative groups through the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania, and implementing clear national guidelines on antimicrobial use and resistance in aquaculture.