Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Broiler Farmers in Mzimba, Malawi

Background: The use of antimicrobials in chicken is well-known worldwide. However, the motivating factors towards the use of antimicrobials by poultry farmers are not well-known. Furthermore, awareness of antimicrobial resistance and how such factors can lead to AMR in bacterial poultry pathogens, particularly those isolated from chicken meat in Mzimba district, is not well-documented. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the use of antimicrobials among chicken farmers in the Mzimba district, Malawi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 89 chicken farmers in Mzimba to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to AMU and AMR. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15, applying linear regression and Pearson correlation analysis for KAP scores. Results: Among the chicken farmers, 46.1%, 43.8%, and 42.7% demonstrated good knowledge, attitudes, and practices, respectively. Training on AMU and AMR was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.002) and practices (p = 0.02). There were weak relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores, with p-values of 0.2, 0.07, and -0.05. There were gaps in coordination between veterinarians and farmers, and all farmers (100%) obtained antimicrobials from veterinary shops without consulting veterinarians. Farmers were not aware of policies related to AMR and AMU. Conclusions: Chicken farmers exhibited low KAP levels on AMU and AMR. This situation constitutes an emergency of AMR and therefore underscores the need for policy development targeted towards enforcing regulations and improving KAP through trainings programs on AMU, AMR, and the importance of consulting veterinarians in chicken production.