Drivers and patterns of antibiotic use in small to medium-sized chicken farms in selected districts of Nepal

Jeevan Adhikari¹Sharada Thapaliya²Reshmi Munakarmi³Pawan Acharya⁴Hom Bahadur Basnet⁵Narayan Paudyal^6*

• ¹Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Pharmacology Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University,Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
• ²Professor, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Pharmacology Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University,Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
• ³Technical Officer, National Animal Health Research Center, Nepal Agricultural Research Council,Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
• ⁴Ph.D Scholar,Department of Veterinary Pathology and Clinics Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University,Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
• ⁵Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University,Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
• ⁶Laboratory of Bacteriology and Mycology, National Animal Health Research Centre, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Lalitpur, Nepal

The rise in commercial poultry production in Nepal has led to inappropriate and haphazard use of antibiotics, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify the drivers influencing antibiotic use among small to medium-scale layer chicken farms in selected districts. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 180-layer poultry farmers in Makawanpur (n = 45), Chitwan (n = 30), Dang (n = 46), and Pokhara (n = 59). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses. Among the 346 responses, antibiotics were used for treatment (50.6%), prophylaxis (32.7%), growth promotion (4.6%), improving egg laying (2.6%), and viral infections (9.5%). Antibiotics were administered during debeaking and vaccination (90%), epidemics (79%), house shifting (67%), brooding (44%), and transportation (32%). Only 39.1% of decisions regarding antibiotic usage were based on laboratory reports; others relied on professional experience (25.8%), necropsy findings (23.4%), or telemedicine consultations (11.7%). Correct dose measurement using graduated dispensers was reported in only 27% of responses. Fluoroquinolones were the most used (25.10%), followed by tetracyclines (19.43%) and macrolides (18.62%). The multivariate analysis revealed that poor biosecurity scores and higher stress levels in birds significantly increased antibiotic use at the farm level. Our findings indicate that inadequate knowledge among poultry producers leads to inappropriate antibiotic use beyond therapeutic purposes.Poor biosecurity practices and stressors are major factors associated with increased antibiotic usage. Creating antimicrobial resistance awareness and promoting responsible use of antibiotics among farmers is essential. An integrated national AMR and food safety policy, including farmer education and strict guidelines, would be beneficial.