Use of Antimicrobials For Treatment of Dairy Animals by Veterinarian and Paravet in Punjab: A Study on Prescription Pattern

At global level, the development of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has emerged as a major public health concern. For ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials as a disease control measure on dairy farms, research is needed to study the consultation pattern and follow up practices in case of ailments of livestock taken by the dairy farmer empirically. The study was conducted in Punjab state of Northern India with 60 Veterinary Doctors and 60 Paravets. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured interview schedule. The study revealed that providing quick relief to sick animals was influencing the prescribing behaviour of 97.50 per cent veterinary doctors where as prior experience of treatment with the particular antimicrobial influenced prescription for 96.66 per cent paravets.95.83 per cent veterinarianswent for sensitivity test in case of treatment failure. Veterinary Doctor was ranked the most credible source by dairy farmer as far as treatment was concerned followed by paravet using Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) method. Empirical research on the pattern of antimicrobial uses, a vital aspect for designing measures to tackle this growing problem of antimicrobial resistance is the need of the hour.