Antibacterials and behaviors adopted by milk producers in Goiás, Brazil

Abstract Milk and its derivatives are rich in nutrients and widely consumed by the population. However, the presence of chemical residues is frequent in these products. This study aimed to carry out a diagnosis of the use of antibacterials and evaluate the knowledge about these drugs and behaviors adopted by dairy producers in Goiás, Brazil. A total of 286 dairy farms in 36 municipalities in the State were visited and interviews were conducted with the owner or auxiliary workforce. The questions addressed the production parameters of the property and the use of antibacterials. The answers were presented in percentages and graphs. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Only 26.2% of the producers used antibacterials indicated by veterinarians and all producers (100%) disposed of milk with residues inappropriately. Tetracycline and penicillin were the most used among the 21 cited active principles. Enteritis (22.1%), cattle tick fever (21.1%), and mastitis (19.4%) were the main diseases treated with antibacterials. A total of 37.4% of respondents were unable to distinguish antibacterials from other drugs. Moreover, the more specialized the farm, the greater the veterinary assistance and the greater the care for antibacterial treatments. Most respondents (51.7%) had incomplete elementary education. These results provide important information about how rural producers in the State of Goiás use antibacterials and serve as a basis for future interventions. The need for greater access by producers to veterinary services in Goiás is evident to reduce the unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibacterials.