Assessment of Antibiotic use in dairy farming and Tetracycline and Sulphonamide residues in fresh milk in coast region in eastern Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The intensification in livestock production due to the increased demand for animal products has led to a significant rise in the use of antimicrobial agents, which threatens public health. Tetracycline and sulphonamides antibiotics are commonly used. The widespread and irrational usage of these antibiotics during livestock keeping is a significant factor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Little is known on farming practices and level of antibiotic residues in Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 95 registered small-scale cattle farmers in Kisarawe district, Tanzania between January to March 2024 to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the use of tetracyclines and sulphonamides in cattle farming. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and milk samples were tested for antibiotic residues using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The KAP scores were assessed using modified Bloom's cut-off points, categorizing scores of 75% or above as indicative of adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and good practices, while scores below this threshold were deemed to reflect inadequate knowledge, negative attitude, and poor practices. Mann-Whitney statistical test and software like Stata and GraphPad Prism, explored the relationships between KAP scores and residue concentrations. Results: Of the 95 dairy farmers enrolled, (62.1%) owned ≤ 5 cattle, 81.05% had inadequate knowledge of antibiotics, 34.74%% had negative attitudes toward antibiotics, 57.89% had poor practices and 63.16% did not observe a withdrawal period, 75.79% used antibiotics from unauthorised sources, 57.9% (55/95) had no training, only 38.9% (37/95) knew about antibiotic prophylaxis, and 24/95 (25.2%) were aware of AMR. 94.05% of milk samples contained sulphonamide residues, and 8.14% had tetracycline residues. 2.4% of milk samples had above the maximum residual limit (MRL) for tetracycline and 1.2% for sulphonamides. There was an association between farming practices and antibiotic residue for both tetracycline (p-value = 0.043) and sulphonamide (p-value = 0.023). Conclusions: Dairy farmers in Kisarawe District have inadequate knowledge and attitudes, and exhibit poor practices on antibiotic use in cattle farming, necessitating awareness campaigns and training programs. The presence of antibiotic residues in milk calls for regular monitoring, enhanced extension services, and investigations into milk production practices to guide antimicrobial stewardship programs