Abstract

Background:
Poultry farmers play an important role in the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in low- and middle-income countries where knowledge of prudent antimicrobial use is often limited.

Aim:
This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of poultry farmers regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR, and antimicrobial residues in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, structured questionnaire administered to 75 poultry farmers from four districts of the Mymensingh Division. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and associations among knowledge, attitudes, and practices were assessed using contingency tables and Pearson’s chi-square test of independence.

Results:
Only 33.3% of farmers sought advice exclusively from veterinary professionals. Awareness of antibiotic residues was reported by 81.1% of participants, whereas awareness of AMR was considerably lower (29.6%). Regarding the purpose of use, 22.7% of farmers used antimicrobials strictly for treatment, and none reported using them as growth promoters. Combined drug use was reported by 24.0% of farmers, and ciprofloxacin was the most frequently used antibiotic (85.3%). Overall, 76% of farmers demonstrated adequate knowledge, 33.3% had desirable attitudes, and 60% exhibited appropriate practices. Farmers' practices were significantly associated with their attitudes toward AMR and AMU (P < 0.001) but were not associated with their level of knowledge.

Conclusion:
These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions stronger antimicrobial stewardship programs to promote responsible antimicrobial use in the poultry sector in Bangladesh.

Key words: Antimicrobial residue; Antimicrobial resistance (AMR); Antimicrobial use (AMU); KAP survey; Poultry farmers.