Characterization of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Bovine Mastitis, Bacteriological Culture, and Antimicrobial Use on Tropical Dairy Farms.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern, strongly linked to the misuse of antimicrobials in livestock production. In dairy farming, producers, milkers, and veterinarians play key roles in antimicrobial decision-making. This study aimed to characterize knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to bovine mastitis, bacteriological culture, and antimicrobial use on tropical dairy farms in Colombia and to explore their association with sociodemographic factors. A total of 366 farm decision-makers were surveyed across five municipalities in Antioquia. 56.6% of respondents had never used microbiological culture for mastitis diagnosis, and only 41.3% kept records of antimicrobial use. Most participants (98.6%) considered antimicrobials easy to obtain, while only 34.3% routinely consulted veterinarians before use. Blanket dry cow therapy was common practice (81.2%). KAP scores were positively correlated, with higher values associated with larger herd size and greater farming experience, whereas lower educational attainment and reliance on manual milking were linked to poorer scores. Although awareness of AMR was high (88.0%), half of the respondents (50.5%) did not perceive it as a threat to their farms. These findings highlight persistent gaps in antimicrobial stewardship and diagnostic use, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions, improved access to on-farm diagnostic tools, and strengthened regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable antimicrobial use in tropical dairy systems.