Factors influencing veterinarians' perceptions of the misuse of antibiotics in small and medium-scale dairy farms in Mexico

Abstract

The objective was to study veterinarians' perception of the inappropriate use of antibiotics in small and medium-scale dairy farms and to identify factors that influence these perceptions. A questionnaire was applied to 75 technical advisors, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Fisher test, with significance established at P<0.05. Veterinarians estimate that 28.3±4.5% of their clients overuse antibiotics. Veterinarians who spend less time working with dairy cattle during a calendar year identify higher inappropriate antibiotic use (P=0.02). An association was found between concern over bacterial resistance in farms and the perception that antibiotic use in the dairy industry poses a public health threat (P=0.009). In conclusion, veterinarians perceive that approximately one-third of producers in small and medium-scale dairy farms use antibiotics inappropriately.