Assessment of Veterinary Drug Use Practices Among Poultry Farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study assesses veterinary drug use practices and antibiotic stewardship awareness among commercial poultry farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. The improper use of veterinary antibiotics in poultry production is a major public health concern linked to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria that can transfer to humans through food and environmental pathways. Ibadan is one of Nigeria's largest poultry production centres, making it a critical site for assessing drug use practices and antibiotic resistance risks. This study uses a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 120 commercial poultry farmers in Ibadan North, Egbeda, and Akinyele local government areas through structured questionnaires. Variables assessed include antibiotic types used, reasons for use, prescription sources, withdrawal periods observed, drug storage practices, antibiotic residue awareness, and resistance knowledge. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis are applied. Findings reveal that 88 percent of sampled farmers use antibiotics, with 65 percent obtaining drugs without veterinary prescription from agro-dealer shops. Oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, and amoxicillin are the most commonly used antibiotics. Withdrawal periods are observed by only 34 percent of farmers. Awareness of antibiotic resistance is low, with only 22 percent correctly defining the concept. Drug storage practices are inadequate in 58 percent of cases. The study concludes that antibiotic stewardship practices among Ibadan poultry farmers require urgent improvement. It recommends mandatory prescription requirements for veterinary antibiotic access and farmer education campaigns on resistance risks.

Keywords: veterinary drug use, antibiotic stewardship, poultry farmers, Ibadan, antimicrobial resistance.