About 40% of Albanian livestock farmers reported using antimicrobials on their animals, according to a survey conducted among 525 livestock farms, 29 veterinarians and 21 veterinary pharmacies, under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The results of the survey were recently published.
The use of antibiotics in animals is critical, as it contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in humans. The data showed that their use was higher on large farms. Specifically, 53.2% of sheep and goat farmers, 51.6% of beekeepers, 50.3% of dairy farmers and a similar percentage of beef cattle farmers use antibiotics. Also, 29% of poultry farmers and 23.3% of small agricultural units reported using antibiotics.
In Europe, antibiotic use in animal production has been reduced by 50% between 2011 and 2022 due to legislative restrictions. Excessive use can increase the risk of the development of resistant bacteria, threatening the health of animals and people. People can be exposed to resistant pathogens through the consumption of contaminated meat and dairy products.
The study in Albania showed that most livestock farmers had no formal training in veterinary medicine or animal production. Veterinary pharmacies and veterinarians recorded data on antibiotic use more systematically than livestock farmers. Although most followed veterinarians’ instructions, 15% of farmers administered antibiotics at a lower dose or for a shorter period than recommended.
About 67% of livestock farmers said they always or often buy antibiotics on prescription. However, almost half of farmers who use antibiotics were unaware of antibiotic resistance. In addition, 76.6% of livestock farmers, 75.8% of veterinarians and 80.9% of pharmacists reported a decrease in the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
