Situation of antibiotic use in livestock farms and veterinary drug distribution in Thung Khao Luang District Roi Et Province

Abstract

Introductions: Antibiotics were widely used in farming due to farmers' lack of knowledge, awareness, and rational use of antibiotics. These may contribute to the overall problem of antibiotic resistance.

Objectives: To survey and study the situation of antibiotics used, antibiotics distribution, the behavior of farmers and related organisations in Thung khao luang district, Roi-et.
Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey was applied to 32 farmers and 5 drug distributors located in the region from June to August 2020.
Results: There were 32 farmers which were 30 farm owners and 2 contracted farm. 93.8 % of the farms used antibiotics and 6.3 % of the farms had no antibiotics. 56.3 % of farmers had access to antibiotics from agricultural products stores, 21.9% of the internet, 15.6 % of veterinary pharmacies, 3.1 % of grocery stores, and 3.1 % of drug stores .

The most commonly used antibiotic was Enrofloxacin 71% in porcine farms, Erythromycin with Vitamin B12 in 42% in chicken/duck/bird farms and other antibiotics such as Union Sulfa, Amoxycillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Amoxycillin + Colistin , Gentamycin, etc.

Agricultural product shop  surveys found 38 drugs contained with 20 registered drugs (53%) and 18 unregistered drugs (47%) were sold 4 in 5 stores.  14 drugs without generic name but indication labeled were best seller (36.8%) followed by 10 single-drug formulas (26.3%).
Conclusions:  93.8 percent of antibiotic use was prevalent in livestock farms, with easy access to drugs purchased at an agricultural supply store, 56.3 % had a drug sold in an agricultural store. 47 % were unregistered drugs, 36.8% were antibiotics, and farmers had no understanding of the use of antibiotics. The problems can be solved by the Cooperation of related organisations to conduct policy and increase farmers’ knowledge.

Keywords: Antibiotics in farm ,  Antibiotics in agricultural supply store