Antibiotic use practices in small chicken production systems in four provinces of Cambodia: preliminary findings from the survey

As more in-depth analysis is in progress (till March 2026) this report presents preliminary findings of an antibiotic use practices survey among small-scale chicken producers across four provinces in Cambodia, highlighting key patterns in farmer knowledge, management practices, and antimicrobial use behaviors. The survey, part of a regional assessment using the CGIAR AMUSE tool, revealed that antibiotics are primarily used for disease prevention and treatment, often with limited understanding of proper application or associated risks, while gaps in training, biosecurity, and farm infrastructure may further influence reliance on antimicrobials.

Although some farmers reported avoiding antibiotics due to natural rearing practices or absence of disease, overall awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains low. These findings underscore the need for targeted farmer education, strengthened extension services, and improved access to veterinary guidance to promote prudent antimicrobials use and support national efforts to mitigate AMR within the poultry sector. A significant finding of this study is the substantial proportion of farmers who had not received formal training, which likely contributes to gaps in knowledge regarding appropriate antibiotic use and its potential consequences. The observation that many farms operate with limited biosecurity measures and are located in close proximity to neighboring farms suggests an elevated risk of disease transmission, potentially encouraging preventive antimicrobial use. Additionally, farmers' uncertainty in distinguishing antibiotics from vitamins or antiparasitic products points to the need for clearer product labelling and strengthened technical guidance to support responsible use practices.