Knowledge, perception and practice of antibiotic use among livestock farmers in the Central Division of Fiji

Abstract This mixed-methods study aimed to: 1) characterise veterinary antimicrobial imports into Fiji over a 12 month period; and 2) evaluate the knowledge, perception and practice of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among livestock farmers in the Central Division of Fiji. Out of 15 antibiotic import shipments during November 2016−October 2017, just under half (40%) were initiated by non-government veterinarians, with the broad-spectrum antibiotics amoxicillin and cephalosporin being imported most frequently. 7% of antibiotic imports were initiated by individual (non-veterinary) users. Semi-structured interviews with 10 livestock farmers from Fiji’s Central Division found that, despite the widespread use of antibiotics with livestock, farmers were not aware of AMR or its risk to public and animal health. Educational barriers and social norms may discourage farmers from questioning veterinary personnel about antibiotic administering practices. Veterinarian-delivered education and awareness campaigns may be considered to help improve veterinary−farmer AMR communications and assist Fijian livestock farmers to optimise antibiotic usage.