QUANTIFICATION OF VETERINARY CRITICALLY IMPORTANT ANTIBIOTIC (VCIA) USE IN ZIMBABWE: TOWARDS COMBATING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, yet data on veterinary critically important antibiotic (VCIA) use in developing countries remain scarce. This study aimed to quantify VCIA consumption patterns in Chikomba district, Zimbabwe, from April 2021 to July 2022, examining the purpose of use in farming scale (small Scale commercial farms, subsistence farming systems, large scale commercial farms), and livestock species (Broilers, Pigs, and Dairy cattle). Data were collected on active ingredient mass (kg) through recording sheets. Findings revealed variations in antibiotic consumption among purposes of use (therapeutic, growth promotion, and prophylaxis) with mean values of 0.029 kg ± 0.002, 0.012 kg ± 0.003, and 0.266 kg ± 0.044, respectively (P < 0.05). Farming scale significantly influenced VCIA consumption for disease prevention (subsistence farming systems, 0.008 kg ± 0.004; small scale commercial farms, 0.019 kg ± 0.006; large scale commercial farms, 0.234 kg ± 0.038) (P < 0.05). Differences between livestock species were observed, particularly higher therapeutic antibiotic use in dairy cattle (0.024 kg ± 0.005) compared to broilers (0.001 kg ± 0.0003) and pigs (0.004 kg ± 0.0013) (P < 0.05). Notably, tetracyclines were commonly used for growth promotion, while sulphonamides, tetracyclines, and penicillins were utilized for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes with no variation in usage across farming scales and animal species (P > 0.05). The study highlights sub-therapeutic VCIA use, especially tetracyclines, raising concerns about AMR development. Effective strategies are needed to enforce responsible antimicrobial use in livestock production.