A STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION, USE, AND RESIDUES OF ANTIBIOTICS IN BROILER AND LAYER CHICKEN FARMS AND AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR IMPACTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN BALI

The uncontrolled use of antibiotics in broiler and layer chicken farming triggers the emergence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial agents (AMR). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) have expressed significant concern over the increasing incidence of AMR. If this issue is not addressed seriously, it is feared to become a major threat to human health. WHO even predicts that AMR will cause 5.2 million human deaths by 2030. This study aims to examine the distribution of antibiotics, their use in broiler and layer chicken farming, detect residues in meat and egg products, and analyze their impacts on public health and the environment in Bali. The research was conducted across all regions of Bali Province using an observational design. Samples were collected using a multi-stage random sampling method. Primary data included interviews with farmers using a set of questionnaires, as well as meat and egg products produced and farm waste. The analysis of antibiotic residues in meat, eggs, and waste was conducted using the BioAssay method following SNI 7424:2008 standards. Research data were analyzed descriptively using both quantitative and qualitative methods, and relationships were analyzed using regression-correlation techniques. The study found that chicken farmers obtained antibiotics through various means, including partnerships, veterinarians, livestock feed shops, and online sources. The use of antibiotics in production was very high, with 97.9% of layer chicken farmers and 91.7% of broiler farmers reporting usage. Veterinary supervision covered 72.9% of layer chicken farms and 93.8% of broiler farms. Residues were detected in 39% of the egg samples examined, while no residues were found in chicken meat. Waste management practices in both broiler and layer chicken farms were similar, with all farmers selling farm waste as fertilizer for plantations. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the circulation of antibiotics remains largely uncontrolled, making them easily accessible to farmers and increasing the likelihood of misuse. This is evidenced by the presence of residues in eggs, which poses a serious threat to human health. Furthermore, the use of antibiotic-contaminated farm waste as fertilizer could contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance.