Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in domestic animal species in South Africa

Abstract

The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in veterinary medicine is increasing globally. Unfortunately, little is known regarding the patterns of AMR in dairy farms in South Africa and how farming practices may be contributing to the problem. For instance, infection with mastitis-causing pathogens is an important problem in the dairy industry in South Africa and injudicious use of antimicrobials against these pathogens might contribute to development of AMR. Understanding non-therapeutic management practices used in mastitis control, as well as how farmers use antimicrobials both prophylactically and therapeutically due to these infections, is important in providing information to curb or slow down the development of AMR. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess: 1) management practices used by farmers to control mastitis in dairy farms in Gauteng Province, South Africa; 2) knowledge and antibiotic use practices among dairy farmers; and 3) antimicrobial resistance patterns among selected mastitis-causing pathogens.