Survey on antimicrobial usage in local dairy cows in North-central Nigeria: Drivers for misuse and public health threats

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224949
• Publication Date: 2019-12-26T13:34:59Z
• Authors: Nma Bida Alhaji; Mohammed Baba Aliyu; Ibrahim Ghali-Moh...; Ismail Ayoade Ode...
• Keywords: Udder

Background Antimicrobials are used as a measure to maintain good health and productivity of lactating cows. This study assessed pastoralists’ knowledge practices regarding AMU in cows; risk pathways for AMR dissemination from cow milk humans. Methods Interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional was conducted Fulani pastoral communities. Frequencies proportions were descriptive statistics. Chi-square test multivariable logistic regressions analytic statistics at 95% confidence level. Results All recruited 384 households participated. About 11% participants indicated antimicrobials misuse when given under-dose, while 58.9% had no what antimicrobial entailed. Most (51.6%) unaware about effects improper AMU. respondents (61.7%) reported self-prescription on Also, 67.4% arbitrary applications cows, 15% increase yield. Frequently were: tetracycline (98.7%), penicillin (96.6%), streptomycin (95.8%) sulfonamides (95.3%). Consumption raw products (p = 0.010); contacts with contaminated udder 0.002); aerosols discarded P 0.001) perceived spread resistance milk. Improper (p<0.001), non-enforcement regulating laws weak financial status low education expertise (p<0.001) influenced Conclusions highlighted levels knowledge, perceptions among survey pastoralists. calls the vulnerable populations promotion prudent cows through ‘One Health’ approach, assure food safety, security, public environmental health.