A qualitative study on antibiotic use and animal health management in smallholder dairy farms of four regions of India

Garima Sharma; Florence Mutua; Ram Pratim Deka; Rajeshwari Shome; Samiran Bandyopadhyay; B R Shome; Naresh Goyal Kumar; Delia Grace; Tushar Kumar Dey; Nimita Venugopal; Swati Sahay; Johanna Lindahl

doi:10.1080/20008686.2020.1792033

A qualitative study on antibiotic use and animal health management in smallholder dairy farms of four regions of India

Infect Ecol Epidemiol. 2020 Jul 12;10(1):1792033. doi: 10.1080/20008686.2020.1792033.

Authors

Garima Sharma^{1

2}, Florence Mutua², Ram Pratim Deka^{2

3}, Rajeshwari Shome⁴, Samiran Bandyopadhyay⁵, B R Shome⁴, Naresh Goyal Kumar⁶, Delia Grace², Tushar Kumar Dey^{1

2

4}, Nimita Venugopal⁴, Swati Sahay⁴, Johanna Lindahl^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
² Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
³ Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
⁴ Bacteriology lab 1,2, National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bangalore, India.
⁵ Eastern regional station, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Kolkata, India.
⁶ Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health issue. In India, access to medicines is poorly regulated and therefore antibiotics in dairy cattle are commonly used by farmers without consulting with veterinarians. This study was conducted to understand practices and knowledge related to antibiotic use and AMR among dairy farmers and veterinary professionals in selected urban and peri-urban areas of India.

Methods: A total of 28 focus group discussions with farmers and 53 interviews with veterinary professionals were carried out.

Results: Mastitiswas identified as the main animal health challenge. Antibiotic consultation behavior of farmers depended on the availability of veterinarians. Except in Bangalore, farmers were found to often treat animals on their own. They were found unaware of the concept of AMR, but knew the importance of vaccination. Veterinarians included in the study had a good understanding of antibiotics, AMR, and zoonotic diseases.

Conclusion: The knowledge level and practices observed in the study related to the use/abuse of antibiotics can potentially increase the risk of development of AMR and its transfer in the community. Our findings can help support AMR - mitigation efforts in the country, including the design of better policies on antibiotic use in dairy.

Keywords: Antibiotics; animal health; antimicrobial resistance; attitudes; dairy farmer; dairy production; knowledge; practices; qualitative; veterinary; zoonotic.