RESUMO
The widespread misuse of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections in dairy farming is a global concern contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To gain insights within small-scale dairy farming, a study was conducted in Nyabihu district of Rwanda from September 2021 to April 2023 to assess practices and factors associated with antibiotic use, investigate antibiotic residues in cow milk and undertake a comprehensive training program to improve quality milk production. A mixed-methods approach, combining cross-sectional and longitudinal intervention studies, involved 42 regular dairy farmers from both open and zero-grazing systems delivering milk to the Union pour la Promotion des Cooperatives des Eleveurs en Nyabihu (UPROCENYA) milk collection center (MCC). Standardized questionnaires and farm interviews were conducted to assess antibiotic use practices while bulk tank milk samples from the same farmers were collected and tested for antibiotic residues using rapid tests over 16 months (8 months before and 8 months after training). Out of 451 bulk tank milk samples tested, 27 samples (6%) contained antibiotic residues, primarily tetracyclines (55.3%) and beta-lactams (44.7%). Before farmers training, 5182.75 l of milk were rejected monthly due to antibiotic residues. Following training, milk rejections decreased to 3192.75 l per month, reflecting 38.35% monthly decrease. However, no statistically significant difference was found by independent t-test (t = 1.441; p = 0.173) between milk rejected before and after training. 97.6% of interviewed farmers reported using antibiotics within six months preceding data collection, with 71.4% primarily used for disease treatment, notably targeting tick-borne diseases (34.0%). Alarming practices included administering antibiotics without referring samples for laboratory examination (100%), disregarding withdrawal periods (88.1%) and administering antibiotics without a veterinary doctor's prescription (85.7%). Factors contributing to these practices included limited farmer's knowledge on antibiotics, easy access to antibiotics in local agro-veterinary shops, and insufficient veterinary services. Antibiotic-laden milk was used to feed calves (38.6%), consumed at home (26.5%), and sold (12.0%). The observed misuse of antibiotics and disregard for antibiotic withdrawal periods pose significant threats to both milk quality and human health. The authors recommend that dairy farmers prioritize animal health monitoring and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent diseases and thus reduce antibiotic usage. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are highly recommended to enhance capacity building for dairy farmers and support research initiatives. Furthermore, it is strongly suggested to strengthen regulations on the prudent use of antibiotics within the Rwandan food production system to curb antimicrobial resistance across both animal and human populations.
RESUMO
In Rwanda, cattle and milk hold a cultural and historical significance, providing an opportunity for pro-dairy governmental policies aimed to alleviate food insecurity, malnutrition, and improve livelihoods. The government of Rwanda has identified strategies to grow the dairy sector through strategic investment to achieve these goals. It is estimated two-thirds of lactating cows in Rwanda have clinical or subclinical mastitis, which reduces milk production and increases the risk of milk as a source for zoonotic disease if the milk is consumed undercooked or unpasteurized. This case study outlines the implementation of a One Health framework that integrates education, research, and outreach in Rwanda to improve food safety and food security, for the social, economic, and health benefit of Rwandans and their livestock. Twenty-five Rwandan Extension Specialists participated in the Dairy Dynamic Management education, research, and outreach program. Once trained, the extension specialists supported 30 small holder dairy farmers in performing proper husbandry and animal health practices for mastitis control and reduction of bacterial counts in the udder. Over the 16-week program, 30 small holder dairy farmers and 100 dairy cows were surveyed weekly for animal husbandry, animal health, and mastitis indicators. Outcomes were evaluated by monitoring animal health, foodborne pathogens in milk, and compliance to animal husbandry protocols. Quarter milk samples were collected weekly and evaluated for the presence of bacteria that are common causes of mastitis. We found a statistically significant reduction of mean total bacterial counts and prevalence of bacterial species in quarters over the 16-week training (P ≤ .01). Smallholders were monitored through observing farmers performing hygienic milking protocols. Farmers conducted the protocol correctly greater than 90% of the time by the end of the 16-week program for 5 of 7 steps for proper hygienic milking procedures, indicating farmers were eager to learn and adopt the procedures. However, follow-up and retraining with Extension Specialists is vital to continued success. We demonstrate that an integrative One Health education, research, and outreach program can be successful in improving animal health, food safety, and food security and this framework can be applied to other agricultural sectors and geographic regions.
