Abstract

The present investigation was done to assess the utilization patterns of antiparasitic drugs among dairy owners and their perceptions regarding resistance development. A total of 160 dairy farmers, consisting of 80 Small Dairy Farmers (SDF) and 80 Large Dairy Farmers (LDF) were selected for the study from 8 different districts of 2 states of India (Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh). A pre-tested structured interview schedule was used for collecting data. In the study area, the majority of the dairy farmers were middle-aged males, middle-level educated and had a moderate level of experience in dairy farming. All the farmers were observed utilizing chemical antiparasitic drugs for managing parasitic infestations in dairy animals. Regarding parasite control, SDF relied on para-veterinarians, while LDF preferred self-treatment for their dairy animals. A primary source for acquiring antiparasitic drugs was pharmacy stores with and without a prescription from qualified animal health care service providers. It was found that approximately one-third of the farmers did not refer to drug labels for dose calculation. However, dairy farmers primarily relied on visual observation of animal body weight to calculate antiparasitic drug doses. The majority of the farmers stored antiparasitic drugs in their dairy farms. Moreover, the farmers expressed an average perception towards the antiparasitic resistance development. Among the various socio-economic factors, education and training were found the strongest predictors that made the highest changes in perception. The overall findings indicate that farmers were neither well-versed in the scientific practices related to the usage of antiparasitic drugs nor familiar with resistance issues. Despite this, they were continuing to acquire and administer drugs without seeking advice from the qualified veterinarians. Consequently, indiscriminate use of antiparasitic drugs in livestock sector has the potential to contribute to the emergence of resistance. It is imperative to create awareness among farmers about the importance of rational use of drugs to mitigate the risk of resistance.

中文翻译：

---

评估抗寄生虫药物的使用模式和农民的看法：对印度奶牛养殖业耐药性的影响

摘要

本次调查旨在评估奶牛场所有者抗寄生虫药物的使用模式以及他们对耐药性发展的看法。来自印度 2 个邦（拉贾斯坦邦和北方邦）8 个不同地区的 160 名奶农，包括 80 名小型奶农 (SDF) 和 80 名大型奶农 (LDF) 被选为研究对象。使用预先测试的结构化访谈时间表来收集数据。研究区奶农以中年男性为主，文化程度中等，具有中等奶牛养殖经验。观察到所有农民都使用化学抗寄生虫药物来控制奶牛的寄生虫感染。在寄生虫控制方面，SDF 依靠辅助兽医，而 LDF 则更喜欢对其奶牛进行自我治疗。购买抗寄生虫药物的主要来源是药店，无论是否有合格动物保健服务提供商的处方。结果发现，大约三分之一的农民没有参考药品标签来计算剂量。然而，奶农主要依靠肉眼观察动物体重来计算抗寄生虫药物的剂量。大多数农民在他们的奶牛场储存了抗寄生虫药物。此外，农民对抗寄生虫抗药性发展的看法一般。在各种社会经济因素中，教育和培训是最有力的预测因素，可以使人们的看法发生最大的变化。总体研究结果表明，农民既不熟悉与使用抗寄生虫药物相关的科学实践，也不熟悉耐药性问题。尽管如此，他们仍在继续获取和使用药物，而没有寻求合格兽医的建议。因此，畜牧业滥用抗寄生虫药物有可能导致耐药性的出现。必须让农民认识到合理使用药物以减轻耐药性风险的重要性。