Small ruminants production system characteristics and their influence on use, alternatives and resistance to antimicrobials in Nigeria
Mahmoud Eltholth1,2, Rodiat Olabisi Omotoso3, Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo4, Jadesola Juliana Ajao1, Olayiwola Akeem Ahmed4, Nma Bida Alhaji5, Musa Imam Abubakar6, Rodhiat Oyinlola Ade-Yusuf7, Ibrahim Adisa Raufu4, Victoria Olusola Adetunji8, Jennifer Cole1, Elsabagh Mabrouk9, Elena Garcia Fruitós10, Anna Aris10, and<u>Ismail Ayoade Odetokun</u><u>7</u>.
1 Department of Health Studies, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK
2 Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-sheikh, Egypt
3 Department of Statistics, University of Ilorin, 240003, Ilorin, Nigeria
4 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ilorin, 240003, Ilorin, Nigeria
5 African Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology, 930001, Minna, Nigeria
6 Department of Theriogenology and Production, University of Ilorin, 240003, Ilorin, Nigeria
7 Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
8 Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria
9 Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, 51240, Nigde, Turkey
10 Ruminant Production Programme, Institut de Recerca i Tecnología Agroalimentaries (IRTA), La Rápita, Spain
As the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) escalates globally, the influence of indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock cannot be overlooked. Antimicrobial use practices are continually explored in larger food-producing animals; however, small ruminants (sheep and goats) receive comparatively less research attention. Our study addresses this gap by investigating small ruminant production practices in Nigeria and exploring how they affect the use of antimicrobials and alternatives. We adopted a mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured questionnaires with focus group discussions.
Of the 785 questionnaire respondents, 68% of farmers never vaccinated their flock against peste de petits ruminants (PPR) or contagious caprine pleuropneumonia virus. A number of health problems were regularly experienced by animals, including PPR, mastitis, and dermatophilosis. Diseases were mostly self-managed with antibiotics and herbs rather than through reliance on veterinary care. More farmers (48%) used antibiotics than herbal remedies (14%) over the previous three months. Farmers' use of herbs was affected by their having low awareness of available options and how to use them appropriately. Perceived effectiveness also influenced farmers' choice between antibiotics and herbs, while economic considerations also led them to sell off sick animals before or during treatment. Among farmers who used animal health services, more farmers (59%) consulted unlicensed para-veterinarians and drugstore vendors rather than licensed government and private veterinarians (36%), a disparity attributed to the unavailability of qualified veterinary doctors. Farmers had poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards AMU and AMR.
We recommend conducting further studies to identify and investigate the efficacy of currently used herbs in treating common diseases. There is a crucial need to improve farmers’ access to vaccines, veterinary care, and laboratory diagnostics. Barriers that hinder better compliance with regulations that govern the use of non-prescribed antimicrobials should be explored. Awareness programmes could be conducted to improve farmers’ awareness on AMR and appropriate disease preventive practices.
