Analyzing Pig Farmers’ and Veterinarians’ Perceptions and Intentions to Reduce Antimicrobial Usage in Japan

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance resulting from imprudent use of antimicrobials is an increasing problem in both human and veterinary medicine. In many countries including Japan, pig production sector is the largest antimicrobial user amongst livestock sectors. It is therefore important to clarify the perception factors affecting the intention to reduce the antimicrobial usage in pig farmers and their advisory veterinarians. We conducted a survey targeting pig farmers (n＝105) and veterinarians (n＝28) using questionnaires. The farmers’ questionnaire was composed of 19 questions assessing the perceived benefits, need and risks of antimicrobial use ; intention to reduce the antimicrobial usage ; capability of reduction and relationship between advisory veterinarian, while veterinarians’ questionnaire included 17 questions assessing the perceived benefits, need and risks of antimicrobial usage ; the prescription attitudes ; capability of reduction ; the perceived farmers’ capability, prescription pressure and mutual trust with farmers. The results showed that farmers’ higher perceived risks and higher reduction capability were strongly associated with higher intentions to reduce antimicrobial usage. The perceived benefits and their years of experience were the mutual factors affecting both farmers’ intention to reduce and veterinarians’ prescription attitudes to reduce antimicrobial usage. We concluded that further enlightenment targeting pig farmers on the public health risks and alternative measures are most effective to promote prudent use of antimicrobials.