Antimicrobial use, residue and resistance dissemination in freshwater fish farms of north-central Nigeria: One health implications

A structured questionnaire was administered to 151 purposively selected fish farmers to assess their practices and perceptions on antimicrobial usage (AMU) in fresh water fish farms in North-central Nigeria. Risk pathways for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread, risk status and drivers for misuse and overuse of antimicrobials were also assessed and residue presence in fish and pond water samples determined. Descriptive and analytic statistical analyses were performed at 95% confidence level. AMU risk status was assessed with Traffic Light model. Disc diffusion test was used to detect residues. All 151 recruited farmers participated but only 78.1% of them used antimicrobials in fish production. About 94% farmers practiced self-prescription of antimicrobials, and 94.9% did not observe withdrawal periods after AMU. AMR risk pathways were consumption (p=0.010), contacts (p=0.004), and environment (p=0.002). Socio-cultural drivers of antimicrobial misuse, overuse and resistance emergence in fish farms were inappropriate AMU (p=0.002), poor biosecurity (p=0.001), poor sanitation (p=0.001), poor economic status of farmers (p=0.002), and intensive management system (p=0.001). Majority (73.5%) of farms were in Class 3 (Red risk) status. Residues were detected in fish and water samples from 44.4% of the farms. The study revealed poor practices and perceptions on AMU. AMU stewardship should be promoted through farmers' education. To achieve food safety, food security, public and environmental health, sociocultural drivers for misuse and overuse in farms should be mitigated through surveillance and control programmes using the concept of 'One Health' approach.

Automated summary

A study in North-central Nigeria assessed fish farmers' practices and perceptions on antimicrobial usage, as well as risk pathways for antimicrobial resistance. Findings revealed widespread self-prescription of antimicrobials and lack of adherence to withdrawal periods, with socio-cultural drivers contributing to misuse and emergence of resistance. Majority of farms were classified as high risk, with residues detected in samples from nearly half of the farms. Promotion of antimicrobial stewardship and control programs are necessary to address these issues for food safety and public health.