Antibiotic Use in Small-Scale Dairy Farming and Residue Levels of Tetracyclines and Sulphonamides in Milk from Eastern Tanzania

Background Intensive antimicrobial use in livestock, particularly tetracyclines and sulphonamides, poses a public health risk by contributing to milk contamination and antimicrobial resistance. In Tanzania, small-scale dairy farms rely heavily on these antibiotics, often with limited regulation or oversight. Aim To assess dairy farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and to quantify tetracycline and sulphonamide residues in milk in Kisarawe District, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 among 95 small-scale dairy farmers. KAP was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Milk samples were analyzed for antibiotic residues using competitive ELISA. Associations between farming practices and residue levels were evaluated using non-parametric statistical tests. Results Most farmers demonstrated inadequate knowledge (81%), negative attitudes (35%), and poor practices (58%), including non-observance of withdrawal periods (63%) and use of antibiotics from unauthorized sources (76%). Sulphonamide residues were detected in 94% of milk samples and tetracycline in 8%, with 1.2% and 2.4% exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs), respectively. Poor farming practices were significantly associated with higher residue levels (tetracycline, p  = 0.043; sulphonamides, p  = 0.023). Conclusion Dairy farmers in Kisarawe District exhibit insufficient KAP regarding antimicrobial use, resulting in widespread antibiotic residues in milk. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved adherence to withdrawal periods, targeted farmer education, systematic residue monitoring, and antimicrobial stewardship programs to protect public health.