An analysis of antibiotic use in livestock in three East African livestock production systems
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Date
2026-05-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
Antibiotic use in livestock is prevalent in low-resource settings due to high infection rates and inadequate veterinary services. We investigated antibiotic use in livestock across three agricultural production systems in northern Tanzania. We employed a mixed-method approach, including three cross-sectional surveys (n = 161, 1226 and 82), interviews (n = 30) and observations (n = 43). Qualitative interviews were analysed using coding and association matrices, while descriptive analyses and generalised linear models identified factors associated with antibiotic use. Oxytetracycline was the most commonly used antibiotic across study communities. Pastoralists reported higher antibiotic usage, and a broader range of antibiotics used compared to agropastoralists and smallholders. Farmers primarily purchased antibiotics from stores and relied on advice from peers or sellers, often using prior experience to guide treatment. Antibiotics were frequently used for the treatment of generic clinical signs and of non-bacterial infections, or preventatively. We identified problematic practices such as incorrect administration routes, inobservance of withdrawal periods and the use of antibiotics for human use in livestock. Pastoralists were more likely to use antibiotics compared to other production systems (OR = 3.92 vs. agropastoralists; OR = 7.87 vs. smallholders). Cattle were the species for which antibiotics were used the most (OR = 6.32 vs. poultry; OR = 2.29 vs. sheep/goats). The reported number of treatments administered per cow per year was significantly higher in smaller herds and in households that purchased antibiotics from markets. Variations in antibiotic treatment practices were linked to differences in healthcare access, disease risks, cultural norms and proximity to urban centres. Tailored interventions are needed to address challenges unique to each production system. However, community-driven awareness campaigns, investment in veterinary services, biosecurity measures and vaccination programmes would improve understanding and reduce reliance on antibiotics across production systems in this and similar settings, and would have knock-on effects on antimicrobial resistance risks.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Keywords
Antibiotic resistance, AMR, Tanzania, antibiotic use, antimicrobial stewardship, East Africa, antimicrobial resistance, animal health, One Health, Global health