First Survey on the Use of Antibiotics in Pig and Poultry Production in the Red River Delta Region of Vietnam

In Vietnam where epidemics occur regularly in animal production, the farmers consider antibiotics as one of the solutions to fight against livestock diseases, thus the risk of abuse, even illegal use of antibiotics in livestock is very high. However, this is a recent issue and has not yet been thoroughly investigated. A cross-sectional study on the use of antibiotics in pig and poultry production as well as the farmer’s knowledge on the danger of the antibiotic use in three different animal production systems (farm household, semi-industrial and industrial) was conducted from July 2009 to March 2010 on 270 entities, in 3 representative localities of the Red River Delta (RRD). The results showed that a large volume of antibiotics was used arbitrary in all animal production systems. Animals were not only treated for acute diseases, but also for disease prevention, and for growth promotion. At least 45 antibiotics of more than 10 classes were used. Fifteen antibiotics were used in pig and poultry feed. For diseases treatment and prevention, antibiotics were used abusively and even illegally (e.g. chloramphenicol) by both farmers and veterinarians. The findings of this survey will permit developing new strategies for prudent use of antibiotics in livestock in Vietnam. These results will help not only to strengthen issues such as veterinary networks; antibiotics use guidance, residues monitoring systems and food safety, but also to improve awareness and ethics of producers and veterinary drug sellers.