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Abstract

Due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a severe threat to animal and human health worldwide, as well as to people’s livelihoods and food security, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Vietnam has had a tremendous economic development the past decades, and the poultry sector has grown. Heavy antibiotic use and high AMR rates have been reported from the sector, resulting in the implementation of a regulatory framework to handle the issue. However, regulation enforcement is insufficient, which calls for other AMR-mitigating actions. Hence, the aim of this thesis was to understand more about AMR, and its drivers, on Vietnamese small- and medium-scale poultry farms.

Firstly, 305 farmers were interviewed to investigate their access to animal health services and veterinary drugs, as well astheir AMR-related knowledge and practices. Over 95% had access to veterinary drugs over the counter, but only 32% had access to animal health services. A majority used antibiotics prophylactically, while several desirable disease prevention practices could be improved. Disease treatment was often based on experience, or advice from a veterinary drug shop. Several knowledge gaps regarding antibiotics and AMR were identified. Knowledge and practice levels were associated with numerous farm(er) variables. Secondly, AMR in 764 commensal E. coli isolates from poultry was assessed. Resistance rates were high, including multi-drug resistance. Higher levels of farmers’ practices and knowledge were not associated with lower AMR. Thirdly, 50 veterinary drug shop workers were interviewed to investigate their AMR-related knowledge, and routines when selling antibiotics. The workers were often highly educated and knowledgeable about AMR. However, several undesirable sales routines were identified. Also, their ability to contribute to improved antibiotic use on farms was limited for several reasons. The research shows that AMR is still an urgent issue in Vietnamese poultry, and that there is a need to look beyond the farm level to understand its drivers. The findings may be used as guidance when developing AMR-mitigating interventions.

Keywords

AMR; antibiotics; poultry; Vietnam; microdilution; KAP; One Health

Published in

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Sueciae
2025, number: 2025:79
Publisher: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Pathobiology
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Clinical Science

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.54612/a.78bq831s4s
  • ISBN: 978-91-8124-063-4
  • eISBN: 978-91-8124-109-9

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/142480