Journal of Veterinary Research and Clinical Care
- ISSN: 3065-9000
Shafii Abdullahi Mohmed, Abdirahman Barre*, Abdinasir Hassan Mohamud, Mohamed Mohamud Gaciye and Faduma Isse Hirsi
The misuse of antibiotics among camel dairy farmers in the Banadir Region of Somalia poses a significant and escalating
public health concern due to the rise of antibiotic resistance. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes,
and practices of 100 respondents from 83 intensive and semi-intensive camel dairy farms in five districts. Despite the
indiscriminate use of antibiotics among surveyed farmers, only 30% demonstrated knowledge of antibiotic resistance.
The predominantly male composition of camel dairy farm owners and workers limited female participation. Commonly
used antibiotics include oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and streptomycin, and (80%) of participants use antibiotics without
prescriptions. The study findings highlight commonly used antibiotics against various pathogens (41%) of widely used
treated antibiotics against bacterial diseases, (34%) against fungi, and (24%) against parasites. Farmers administer
antibiotics for treatment (58%), prevention (23%), and vaccination (19%), often without veterinary assistance (88%),
and some consume milk during antibiotic administration (79%) without observing withdrawal periods (81%). The study
reveals a critical need for increased knowledge, attitude transformation, and improved antibiotic practices among camel
dairy farmers. Further investigations are recommended to comprehensively assess antibiotic use and resistance in dairy
camel farming across various regions in Somalia.