There is a growing global concern over the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in animals.  

World Animal Protection in a report released ahead of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) celebrated annually from 18-24 November, said self-prescription and uncontrolled purchase of antibiotics from drug vendors is a worrying trend.  

A study done in November and December 2020 consisted of a cross-sectional survey targeting veterinary drug stores (agrovets), pharmacies, farmers, and the public across 19 counties in Kenya to determine the knowledge and practices on antimicrobial resistance.   
It attracted a total of 1,142 participants across 19 counties in Kenya.  

The study showed that antibiotics were the most sold product in 58% of agrovets and 43% of pharmacies interviewed.   

Antibiotic sales contributed significantly to total revenue in both stores, 38.8% in Pharmacies and 30% in Agrovets.  

Dairy (49.6%) and poultry (38.9%) farmers were reported as the most frequent consumers of antibiotics.  The two sectors are associated with intensive farming systems that are associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics to mask poor welfare practices.  

Although levels of knowledge on antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) were relatively evident, improper practices were evident in all study categories.  

According to media reports, AMR has become a major health threat.  In Uganda, both human's and animal’s infections from resistant bacteria and disease-causing germs are said to be increasing. 

The Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO) warns AMR if left unchecked may force tens of millions of people into extreme poverty, hunger and Malnutrition. 

Dr. Victor Yamo, Farming Campaigns Manager, World Animal Protection said, “The main objective of the study was to explore the levels of antimicrobial resistance knowledge and prescribing practices among veterinary and human drug vendors, farmers, and the public.”  

 Knowledge and practices related to antibiotics among respondents showed significant gaps and need an urgent effort to mitigate such practices.  Antibiotics were the commonly sold product in human and veterinary stores. This contrasts with the low sales of vaccines and other biosecurity measures.  

 “A concerted effort is urgently needed to sensitise the need for responsible use of antibiotics in human and animal health. For instance, farmers need to shift from low welfare practices in which antibiotics are misused to cover up poor welfare, and adopt higher animal welfare standards that ensure animals live a healthy life,” he said.  

From the study, improper practices were evident in all study categories.   

For example, self-prescription, failure to complete prescribed dose and sharing of antibiotics was reported.   

“Every time an antibiotic is given to an animal or consumed by a human, basically it is an opportunity for that bacteria present to get used to that antibiotic and possibly mutate to be resistance.”  

According to Dr. Yamo, despite having had World WAAW since 2016, the level of awareness of this week-long event was found to be low.    

Most (81%) of general public interviewed and 80% of farmers were not aware of WAAW.   

“This means a concerted effort is required for a comprehensive action,” Dr. Yamo said.