Intro: Irrational and imprudent antimicrobial usage (AMU) in poultry is considered a key driver of antimicrobial residue (AR) development and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has become a significant health hazard in animals and humans. The extensive use of antimicrobials in the intensified commercial chicken industries, supplying the major animal proteins in Bangladesh, is playing a crucial role in the food value chain. Therefore, we conducted this study to understand the patterns of AMU and their associated factors in commercial chicken farms in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 340 commercial poultry farms consisting of broilers (109), layer (109), and Sonali (122) farms in seven districts of Bangladesh between September and December 2021. We collected data through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. We analyzed the AMU patterns and their contributing factors using descriptive statistics, and mixed model multivariable logistic regression, respectively. Findings: We identified 62.4% (212/340) of farms that used at least one antibiotic on chickens within the last 14 days. Among them, meat-type chickens including broiler (78%) and Sonali (67.2%) were administered antibiotics higher than layer (41.3%). We found that 31 antibiotics of 11 different classes were being used on the farms, of which 12 belonged to the WHO's highest priority critically important antimicrobials. We also observed the use of colistin sulfate (3.6%) which is the reserved group antibiotics. Moreover, antibiotics use was significantly associated with the type of chickens, and the farmer's perception about antibiotics that can be used anytime even without any purposes. Conclusion: The findings revealed a high proportion of poultry farmers used antibiotics that might cause higher residues and resistance that might be leading to public health hazards. We recommend the rational use of antibiotics and farmers training on antibiotic misuse and its impacts on animal health, public health, and the ecosystem.
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