Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, posing risks to human and animal health. This research quantified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli isolates from poultry fecal and environmental samples in Bangladesh and explored their association with antimicrobial use (AMU). We screened 725 fecal and 250 environmental samples from 94 conventional broilers and 51 Sonali farms for E. coli presence using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. AMU data were collected at flock levels, expressed as treatment incidence (TI), while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for 14 antibiotics were determined on five fecal E. coli isolates per farm and on all environmental isolates. MIC results were interpreted using human clinical breakpoints and EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs). Acquired resistance against commonly used antimicrobial agents such as ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and ampicillin, was extremely high and predominantly clinically relevant. There was a moderate correlation between fecal and environmental antibiotic resistance index (ARI), but there was no significant correlation between AMU and AMR, suggesting that the observed AMR prevalence is unrelated to current AMU in poultry, but may be due to high historical AMU. A high level of multidrug resistance, including against critically important antimicrobials, was found in both farm types. Therefore, an AMR/AMU surveillance program is urgently needed in the poultry production sector of Bangladesh.

Avian influenza (AI) is considered as one of the greatest global threat for the poultry industry that the animal health sector has ever had to face. It is primarily an infectious disease of birds caused by influenza virus Type A strain. The major concern now is that a highly pathogenic strain (H5N1) has also been shown to transmit to humans and has the potential to be fatal. Since March 2007, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been occurring in commercial and backyard poultry in Bangladesh. Good bio-security practices can help reducing the risk of spreading and controlling the disease. This investigation describes the bio-security practices of small scale poultry holders (500-2000 birds/ farm) of Gazipur district, their knowledge and attitude in prevention and control of avian influenza. This was assessed using prescribed questionnaire. This study has been conducted on 100 poultry raising farmers through household-based individual interviews. Though respondents had different opinions on the magnitude of AI in their respective area, almost everyone realized AI is a big problem for Bangladesh. Generally, the respondents were not aware of the common infection sources such as, sick poultry, their pens, cages, backyard poultry, wild animals, migratory birds etc. Most of the interviewed small scale farmers in this area were not aware about the strict bio-security process like segregation of diseased birds, cleaning and disinfection of premises to prevent AI. Although there was a basic knowledge about the dangers and economic consequences of AI, there needs to be an updating of information on sources of infection, symptoms and prevention techniques, as well as an understanding of the cross species dangers of the infection. The study has, to a large extent, successfully drawn up a picture of how Bangladeshi small holder farmers have perceived and responded to AI and what they have understood and what practices they are taking against AI in their respective areas.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 670-676

Introduction: Slaughterhouses are facilities where animals are slaughtered for meat production. Poor hygiene practices in these facilities, especially in developing countries, pose significant public health risks. The lack of regulation and substandard conditions can lead to the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, particularly affecting slaughterhouse workers who are in close contact with animals and animal products. A scoping review was conducted to map and summarize existing evidence on hygiene practices in slaughterhouses and evaluate their effectiveness in mitigating public health risks. Methodology: This review used the Joanna Briggs Institute Collaboration (JBI) scoping review inclusion framework Population Concept and Context (PCC) and PRISMA for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases searched included; EBSCO Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and grey literature from BASE and Google Scholar. The studies were screened for eligibility and data extracted from included studies using the JBI data extraction chart. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using cross-sectional and prevalence studies quality assessment tools. Results: Fourteen studies were included published between January 2002 and May 2023. These studies were conducted in 10 countries, with one-third (n = 5) originating from Nigeria. Twelve studies used cross-sectional surveys, while one employed a prevalence survey. This review identified common hygiene practices relating to personal hygiene [handwashing with soap and water] and environmental hygiene (cleaning tools and surfaces). Overall, workers’ reported that they had good knowledge of hygiene practices; handwashing (95.7%), using protective apparatus (89.7%), and cleaning equipment (89.3%). Studies reported that over half of slaughterhouse workers wore protective clothing. However, much less (12%) reported that they cleaned their knives before and after use, and it was reported that some slaughterhouses disposed of refuse improperly (bush], raising important public health concerns. Only three studies clearly linked slaughterhouse hygiene practices with public health risks. Conclusion: Improving hygiene practices in slaughterhouses is crucial for reducing public health risks. Gaps in knowledge, inadequate training, insufficient inspections and poor infrastructure were identified as key areas for improved guidelines and policy intervention.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be detected in bacteria from food producing animals in Bangladesh. Globally, as well as in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), antimicrobial use (AMU) is identified as the primary driver of rising AMR. This pilot study aimed to quantify AMU in poultry (broiler and layer) and dairy farms in Gazipur and Chattogram districts, assessing seasonal and species-specific AMU patterns. A longitudinal survey conducted during the summer and winter seasons of 2022–2023 involved 36 purposively selected farms (12 each broiler, 12 layer and 12 dairy). AMU was quantified using kilograms of antimicrobial active ingredients (AAIs) and milligrams per population correction unit (mg/PCU). AMU quantity was highest in layer farms (285.80 mg/PCU), followed by broilers (173.29 mg/PCU) and dairy farms (3.56 mg/PCU). Seasonal variations revealed lower AMU levels in broilers (125.68 mg/PCU) and layers (130.48 mg/PCU) in winter, whereas dairy usage increased in winter (13.93 mg/PCU). Predominantly used AAI’s included neomycin (broilers, both seasons), oxytetracycline (layers in summer), tylvalosin (layers in winter), sulfonamides (dairy in summer), and penicillin (dairy in winter). Poultry farms utilised substantially higher AMU quantities. Notable geographic differences in AMU quantities used in broiler and layer farms were observed, while dairy farms showed uniform use across districts. Of important public health concern is the high proportion (65–90%) of antimicrobials that fall under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Medically Important Antimicrobial (MIA) categories, particularly Critically Important (CIA) or Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HP-CIA), as well as the substantial use of Watch- and Reserve-group antimicrobials according to the WHO AWaRe framework. These findings highlight excessive use of medically important antimicrobials and emphasise the urgent need for regulatory action and improved stewardship. This pilot study provides essential baseline data for developing farm-level national AMU surveillance system in Bangladesh.