Antibiotic Usage Patterns and Awareness of Residue Risks among Poultry Farmers in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

Background: Antibiotics are widely used in poultry production for disease treatment, prophylaxis, and growth promotion. Inappropriate use, however, can result in antibiotic residues accumulating in edible tissues and eggs, which are important sources of dietary protein. It may also contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global public health threat. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use, describe usage patterns, and assess farmer awareness of antibiotic residues and drug withdrawal periods among poultry farmers in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 active poultry farms in Damaturu metropolis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively using SPSS version 21.0, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Black Hacco was the most commonly reared breed (32.0%), followed by Shikka Red (28.0%), mixed/other breeds (26.0%), and White Eggers (14.0%). Overall, 34 of 50 farms (68.0%) reported using antibiotics. Birds younger than five months received the highest reported rates of antibiotic (30.0%) and multivitamin (32.0%) administration. Commercial feed users reported higher antibiotic use (79.5%) than local feed users (27.3%). Only 42.0% of farmers reported awareness of antibiotic residues, and only 36.0% were aware of drug withdrawal periods. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was common among the surveyed farms, while awareness of residue risks and withdrawal periods was low. These findings suggest a potential public health concern, including a possible contribution to antimicrobial resistance and consumer exposure to residues, although this study did not directly measure resistance or residue levels. Targeted farmer education and strengthened veterinary oversight are recommended, alongside further studies incorporating residue and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.