Management of Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Production: Policy and Practice in Kaduna State

This study evaluates policy frameworks and professional practices for managing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production in Kaduna State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. AMR represents one of the most serious global health threats of the twenty-first century, and livestock production is a recognised driver of resistance through the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Using a professional survey and document analysis design, the study reviewed national and state veterinary pharmaceutical regulations and interviewed 50 veterinary practitioners, livestock feed mill operators, agroveterinary shop owners, and government regulatory officials across Kaduna State. Structured questionnaires assessed knowledge of AMR, self-reported antibiotic prescribing practices, and barriers to stewardship adherence. Documentary analysis of regulatory enforcement records for 2021 to 2023 provided additional evidence. Findings revealed that prescription-only regulations for veterinary antibiotics were enforced in fewer than 20 percent of monitored sales transactions. Sub-therapeutic antibiotic use for growth promotion was reported by 48 percent of interviewed feed mill operators, despite its regulatory restriction. Knowledge of AMR among agroveterinary shop operators was very low, with only 18 percent able to correctly define antibiotic resistance. The study recommends strengthened regulatory enforcement, mandatory AMR training for agroveterinary retailers, a Kaduna State AMR surveillance programme linked to national frameworks, and farmer-level education on antibiotic stewardship. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, livestock, Kaduna State, stewardship, veterinary policy.