Ethnographic Decision Modeling to Understand Smallholder Antibiotic Use for Poultry in Guatemala

Abstract

Widespread use of antibiotics is of concern due to the selection for resistant bacterial strains, which render life-saving antimicrobials ineffective. Smallholders in rural Guatemala rely on human antibiotics to treat their poultry, and in this article, I aim to understand why they do so. I incorporate Ethnographic Decision Modeling (EDM) to understand treatment behaviors. Results indicate that access and affordability in opportunity costs are barriers to seeking veterinary medicines for poultry. Access to veterinary medicine and education campaigns on poultry health are necessary to support the appropriate use of antimicrobials for backyard poultry.