Understanding antibiotic use for pig farming in Thailand: a qualitative study



Lekagul, Angkana, Tangcharoensathien, Viroj, Liverani, Marco, Mills, Anne, Rushton, Jonathan ORCID: 0000-0001-5450-4202 and Yeung, Shunmay
(2021) Understanding antibiotic use for pig farming in Thailand: a qualitative study. ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL, 10 (1). 3-.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), recognised as a serious and growing threat to global health, is promoted by multiple drivers, including antibiotic use in the livestock sector. Thus, understanding factors influencing antibiotic use in livestock production is essential to the design and implementation of effective interventions to reduce AMR. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and views of the key actors associated with the use of antibiotics for pig farming in Thailand, from local farmers to officers in central government institutions.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 31 in-depth interviews were conducted with different categories of actors: pig farmers (n = 13), drug retailers (n = 5), veterinarians (n = 7), government officers (n = 3) and representatives of animal and human health associations (n = 2). Themes emerging from the interviews were identified and explored using thematic analysis. In addition, direct observations were conducted in the pig farms.<h4>Results</h4>The findings highlight the multi-faceted nature of the views and practices that may contribute to misuse or overuse of antibiotics in the study locations, including misconceptions about the nature of antibiotics and AMR (particularly among smallholders), lack of facilities and financial means to establish an antibiotic-free farm, lack of sufficient training on AMR and antibiotic prescribing for veterinarians, the profit motive of pharmaceutical companies and their ties to farm consultants, and lack of sufficient regulatory oversight.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our study indicates a clear need to improve antibiotic use for pig production in Thailand. Farmers need better access to veterinary services and reliable information about animal health needs and antibiotics. Innovative investments in biosecurity could improve farm management and decrease reliance on antibiotics, although the cost of these interventions should be low to ensure wide uptake in the livestock sector. Lastly, further development of professional training and clinical guidelines, and the establishment of a code of conduct, would help improve antibiotic dispensing practices.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Animals, Swine, Humans, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Qualitative Research, Animal Husbandry, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Veterinarians, Thailand, Female, Male, Farmers, Government Employees, Farms, Antimicrobial Stewardship
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 08 Jul 2021 09:44
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 21:36
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00865-9
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3129274