Volume 16, Issue 2: 2026 - Article 246

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical One Health challenge, particularly in poultry production systems where antimicrobial use (AMU) is often not well regulated. This study assessed AMR awareness, AMU practices, biosecurity measures, environmental exposure and AMR risk among poultry farmers, traders and handlers in northeastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 600 respondents across Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno States of northeastern Nigeria, between July 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 9.0. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to assess associations, while composite indices for AMU, biosecurity and AMR risk were used following standardized scoring systems. Overall, AMR awareness was low (33.0%), with variations recorded across the states. A high proportion of the respondents admitted antimicrobial use (89.0%), with most respondents relying on informal drug sources and personal experience for decision-making on antibiotic use. High level of non-therapeutic use, poor adherence to dosage guidelines, and high levels of non-compliance with withdrawal periods were common. Biosecurity practices were generally inadequate, with 50.0% of respondents classified as having poor biosecurity, while unsafe waste management practices were widespread, including open dumping of poultry litter (52.0%) and uncontrolled wastewater disposal (61.0%). Composite indices revealed high antimicrobial use (47.0%) and high AMR risk (53.0%) among respondents. The findings demonstrate a strong convergence of low AMR awareness by a high proportion of the respondents in the study area, and behavioral, managerial and environmental risk factors driving AMR in the poultry systems surveyed. Improving on AMR awareness, strengthening veterinary oversight, improving antimicrobial stewardship and enforcing biosecurity and environmental regulations are urgently required under a One Health framework to mitigate AMR emergence and spread in the study area.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance awareness; Antimicrobial use practices; Cross sectional survey; Poultry production systems; Northeastern Nigeria; One Health.

How to cite this article:
Lawal JR, Lawan FA, Ndahi JJ, Gazali HK and Balami AG (2026). Cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial resistance awareness, antimicrobial use practices and resistance risk pathways in poultry production and distribution systems in Northeastern Nigeria. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(2): 1703 – 1721.

Correspondence: E-mail:     rabana4real@unimaid.edu.ng     Phone: +2348032886428

Cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial resistance awareness, antimicrobial use practices and resistance risk pathways in poultry production and distribution systems in Northeastern Nigeria

Jallailudeen R. Lawal ¹ *, Fatima A. Lawan ², Juliana J. Ndahi ³, Hadiza K. Gazali ⁴ and Arhyel G. Balami ^1
1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
² Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
³ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Download .pdf copy here >>