Identification of Antibiotics Use Pattern in Chicken Rearing in Southwest Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Antibiotic use in chicken rearing has increased in Bangladesh, mainly to prevent diseases in broiler and layer chickens. Continuous use of antibiotics in poultry production may result in antibiotic residues in products such as eggs and meat, posing potential risks to human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of antibiotic use in chicken rearing in the southwest region of Bangladesh. Data were collected from ninety (90) randomly selected respondents involved in chicken farming from three upazilas under three different districts using a structured interview schedule. A socioeconomic analysis revealed that about half (48.9%) of the respondents belonged to the middle-aged group and had small-sized families (54.4%). The highest proportion (54.4%) of respondents had secondary-level education. About three-fourths (74.4%) had no organizational participation, while 41.1% had received training on chicken farming. The study showed that most respondents (86.7%) had a moderate level of knowledge regarding chicken rearing. The majority (88.9%) had a moderately positive attitude toward poultry farming, while 6.0% had a highly positive attitude. Nearly all respondents (98.9%) vaccinated their birds regularly, and 74.4% consulted veterinarians or livestock practitioners for treatment. Among the respondents, 92.2% used vitamin and mineral supplements, while only 32.2% maintained farm records regularly. In 83.3% of cases, male family members served as the primary caretakers of the farms. About 41.1% of respondents reported that they rarely visited Upazila Livestock Offices. Most respondents (92.2%) considered poultry farming a highly promising enterprise in the southwest region of Bangladesh, while 70.0% viewed it as a moderately effective poverty-reduction activity. The majority (91.1%) reported positive income growth from poultry farming, and 93.3% faced moderate problems in poultry production. The study revealed that 78.9% of respondents used antibiotics in chicken production, and among them, 82.2% administered antibiotics through drinking water. Most respondents (94.4%) were moderately aware of the effects of antibiotic use on human health, while only 5.6% were highly aware. None of the respondents reported being completely unaware of the issue. A majority (72.2%) believed that excessive antibiotic use could have adverse effects in poultry production, yet 87.8% were unaware of the broader negative impacts associated with antibiotic misuse. About 51.1% of respondents obtained antibiotics from local vendors, while 48.9% purchased them from veterinary drug stores. Approximately 65% did not follow recommended rules and regulations regarding antibiotic use. All respondents reported storing medicines in refrigerators. The study concluded that although most poultry farmers had some awareness of the effects of antibiotic use on human health, antibiotics were widely used as a preventive measure to protect poultry from disease and maintain farm productivity.