Promoting prudent use of antimicrobial in poultry farms

With a variety of stakeholders involved in the antimicrobial resistance issue, different levels of interventions are crucial in effectively mitigating antimicrobial resistance risks. Especially, behavior change at the grass-root level is a key component to tackle the development of drug-resistant superbugs at its early stage of formation.

Teams from five Sub-Saharan countries gathered in Zambia, this week, to discuss key findings on the factors influencing antimicrobial use in broiler and layer poultry farming (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Kenya) and in pastoralist production (Tanzania). The findings were obtained from a series of harmonized knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) studies that were deployed over the past year. Additionally, further actions to promote prudent use of antimicrobials in poultry production were identified.