Factors Associated with Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance in Broiler Chickens in Selected Districts, Zambia

Abstract

<jats:p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of Zambia. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in broiler chickens in Zambia. A total of 109 broiler farms were included in the study, of which 104 were small-scale farms, two were medium-scale, and three were commercial-scale. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered alongside the collection of cloacal swabs and litter samples to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AMR of food pathogen microorganisms on the selected broiler farms. Data collected was analysed using STATA version 12. The broiler farm-level AMR prevalence was 84.4% (n= 109). Gender, marital status, administration of drugs by veterinary personnel or the farmer and the poultry house drainage destination were among the predictors of AMR on broiler chicken farms. The high prevalence of AMR in broiler chicken farms suggests a high dependence on antimicrobials in poultry production in Zambia. In addition, socio-demographics such as gender and age, as well as farm characteristics and management practices, may primarily contribute to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study has demonstrated the association between the AMR of foodborne pathogens and the risk factors for AMR during poultry production. It is, therefore, necessary for risk management measures such as biosecurity to be put in place to target the identified AMR predictor variables. There is also a need to strengthen AMR surveillance to ensure intervention strategies are appropriate to the existing risk.</jats:p>