Veterinarians approach towards antimicrobial stewardship and one health: A survey study

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats. One Health approach is needed to tackle antimicrobial resistance as most antimicrobials used in animals are also used in humans and affect the environment. Although the knowledge and attitudes of personnel in the human healthcare sector are studied more frequently in Gujarat, veterinarians' approaches also play a pivotal role in attaining antimicrobial stewardship. Thus, an online survey was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinarians regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship in Gujarat. A total of 691 respondents included 300 government veterinarians (44 %), 258 cooperative veterinarians (37 %), 45 private veterinarians (5 %), 69 MVD GVK veterinarians (10 %), and 19 others (4 %). Several veterinarians (77 %) believe that farmers' misuse of antimicrobials contributes significantly to AMR. According to 78 % of respondents, the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals contributes to AMR, which can be reduced by vaccines, biosecurity measures, and hygiene (79 %). As per 86 % of the responders, antimicrobial stewardship is important, and 81 % educate farmers on the rational use of antimicrobials. Though 92 % of veterinarians agreed that culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) should be done as frequently as possible to guide antimicrobial usage, only 4 % always, and 68 % sometimes send samples for AST. However, 31 % think it is acceptable to commence antimicrobial therapy without a confirmatory diagnosis. The study findings suggest that AMR awareness among farmers, increased provision of laboratory services, and AST at affordable costs should be developed to combat the development of AMR.