Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health threat. In food-producing animals, antibiotic overuse and misuse contribute to its emergence and transmission to humans. Conducted as part of the ICARS-supported ENVIRE project, the study examined antibiotic use among 110 ruminant and poultry farmers in Tunisia. It also explored the factors influencing treatment decisions and farmers’ awareness of AMR risks.
The findings showed that 90% of farmers lacked a livestock register and 92.7% administered antibiotics without a veterinary prescription. Misuse was common: 62.7% did not complete treatments, 82.7% stopped treatment when symptoms disappeared and 61.8% did not observe withdrawal periods. Self-medication was associated with treatment costs and over-the-counter access to antibiotics. Overall, 94.5% of farmers were unaware of AMR risks, while only 5.5% had received training in good husbandry practices.
These findings underscore the urgent need for farmer education, strengthened veterinary oversight, and promotion of prudent antibiotic use to mitigate AMR risks and safeguard animal and public health in Tunisia.
