ANTIBIOTIC USE PRACTICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN POULTRY FARMING SYSTEMS OF MUZAFFARGARH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global public health challenge driven by the inappropriate use of antibiotics in both human and animal production systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The present study aimed to evaluate the practices of using antibiotics in commercial poultry farms and environmental pathways involved in the spread of AMR in the District Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. A structured and pre-validated questionnaire was used to conduct a cross sectional survey of 70 commercial poultry farms. Data were analysed descriptively, with Pearson's chi-square test, and by multivariable logistic regression, in IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. 97.1% of farms used antibiotic and therapeutic use was the main purpose of administration (49.0%), followed by use to prevent disease (31.4%), and use to promote growth (20.0%). Over half of respondents (57.1%) obtained antibiotics without veterinary prescription and 45.7% did not comply with recommended periods of withdrawal. The most commonly used antimicrobials were enrofloxacin (45.7%), doxycycline (38.6%) and amoxicillin (32.9%), while the use of colistin was also significant (21.4%). The findings of the environmental assessment were that 71.4% of farms did not have appropriate wastewater drainage systems, 65.7% disposed of untreated poultry waste in open areas and 59.1% reported dissemination of poultry waste from the farms to surrounding agricultural land and water bodies by flood. Multivariable logistic regression identified lack of formal education (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.28–8.17; P = 0.013), absence of professional poultry management training (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.16–7.09; P = 0.023), and farm location in flood-prone areas (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.03–6.28; P = 0.043) as independent predictors of non-prescription antibiotic use. The results have indicated a high prevalence of inappropriate use of antimicrobials and poor environmental management practices, which might speed up the spread of AMR. To reduce AMR risks in a One Health context, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, farmer education, veterinary oversight, and environmentally sustainable waste management are crucial.