Antibiotic Residues in Chickens and Farmers' Knowledge of Their Use in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, in 2017

Antibiotic residues in chicken meat samples is a serious public health concern due to their harmful effects on consumers’ health. We conducted this research in 2017 to determine antibiotic residues in chicken meat samples and to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers on the antibiotic uses in poultry farms at Tay Ninh province. Farmers who raised chickens at their farmhouses were surveyed using a KAP survey questionnaire, and 106 chicken meat samples were analyzed for 29 kinds of antibiotic residues. The results showed that 27.4% samples were positive with 11 kinds of 4 antibiotic groups: fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and macrolides. A total of 50.9% farmers needed to improve their knowledge on the appropriate use of antibiotics. Although 54.7% famers had positive attitude, just 17% had good practices. It was recommended that the levels of antibiotic residues in chickens should be communicated to food safety and veterinary authorities, chicken farmers, and the general public. Enhancing the training and coaching for each group of farmers to improve their knowledge and practices on the appropriate use of antibiotics in raising chickens is needed. Local government should enhance the level of control and punishment for drug sellers and end users regarding the use of banned antibiotics in chickens.