Abstract:
An initial census of layer farms in Khartoum State, Sudan, was carried out in late 2007 and
early 2008 and found that there were 252 layer farms with a total population of 2 221 800
birds. This paper reports the findings of the census. Based on this information, a structured
questionnaire survey of 92 farms was then conducted in the state in April 2008 to collect data
on antibiotic usage, demographic data and public health awareness. Ninety-eight per cent of
participating farms comprised open-sided houses. It was found that 49% of the farms surveyed
were on antibiotic treatment when the survey was conducted, whilst 59% of the farms had used
antibiotics within the last 3 months. The study found that farmers and producers had a lack
of knowledge about antimicrobial residues, their withdrawal periods and the risk posed by
the consumption of these residues. The study also concluded that traditional farming systems
in Sudan relied heavily on antimicrobial medication to control disease and almost half of the
farms surveyed were treating their flocks with antimicrobials. In addition to this, there was
a lack of disease control programmes which probably resulted in a massive use of antibiotics
to control endemic diseases. This was further compounded by the absence of governmental
supervision and control on the use of drugs.
