AUTHOR=Sow Mouhamadou Moustapha , Barry Kadiatou , Diamanka Arfang , Seck Rosalie Martine Ndew , Sow Ahmed Iyane , Ly Cheikh , Fall Assane Gueye , Diouf Nicolas Djighnoum , Dia Ndeye Mery , Ciss Mamadou 
  
TITLE=Antibiotic use practices in food systems in Senegal: a cross-sectional survey of pastoral livestock farming in Kaffrine
  
JOURNAL=Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice
  
VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/pastoralism-research-policy-and-practice/articles/10.3389/past.2026.16798
  
DOI=10.3389/past.2026.16798
  
ISSN=2041-7136
  
ABSTRACT=Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is recognised as a critical One Health challenge globally, threatening human, animal, and environmental health. In Senegal, pastoral livestock systems provide the bulk of animal-source foods, yet little evidence exists on antibiotic use practices that may foster ABR. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic use in pastoral farming in Kaffrine, Senegal, and its implication for ABR transmission across the food system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2023 among 220 pastoralists in Kaffrine. Participants were selected using Schwartz’ formula, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using an adapted CGIAR AMUSE Livestock questionnaire, translated into local languages. Data were analysed descriptively with R Studio (version 4.3.2.). Respondents were predominantly men (86.8%), with limited formal education (81%). Common animal diseases included Plague of small ruminants (52.7%), Lumpy skin disease (39%), and Pasteurellosis (28.1%). Antibiotic use was extensive, dominated by tetracyclines (88.6%), followed by penicillins (10.4%). Usage was mainly for treatment (94%), prevention (42.7%), and growth promotion (33%). Administration was carried out by para-veterinarians (50.9%) and untrained auxiliaries (45.9%), while 40.5% of pastoralists practiced self-medication for their animals. Although 65.5% recognised ABR as a public health issue, only 5.5% adopted reduction strategies, primarily vaccination. Notably, 65.5% administered antibiotics to lactating animals, and only 55% observed withdrawal periods before slaughter, averaging 4 days. Non-compliance, inadequate dosages, and treatment interruptions were frequent. Despite awareness of ABR, misuse of antibiotic remains generalized in pastoral systems in Kaffrine, posing significant food safety and public health risks. Expanding access to veterinary services, strengthening vaccination programmes, and enhancing antibiotic stewardship through an increased number of veterinary drug inspectors and adequate financial resources for effective monitoring and regulatory oversight are critical to mitigating ABR and safeguarding sustainable food systems.