ADIS

International Livestock Research Institute

ADIS

Barcode Technology for improved agrovet operations and drug traceability

Nairobi

Kenya

Nonprofit

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue and developing countries are worst hit. Non-prudent use of antimicrobials has been reported in smallholder poultry systems in Kenya (Kariuki et al 2023; Rware et al 2024). These antimicrobials are mostly sourced from agrovets (shops authorized to distribute veterinary drugs in the country). Using substandard drugs to treat sick animals can contribute to AMR. Mutua et al. (2023) reported unethical practices where drug labels are used to conceal product identity. Currently, there is no system to verify product registration (one must view information available on VMD website). Because of this, counterfeit veterinary products have found their way in drug distribution channels. Agrovets are unable to detect substandard products that may be presented to them. Sale of expired veterinary drugs is another concern (Morang’a et al., 2024; Mutua et al., 2023). Kenya does not have a system for collecting antimicrobial use data at the point of sale (agrovet) level. This has an impact on surveillance as data to inform decision making is limited. Inappropriate drug disposal methods (e.g., pit latrines) present environmental contamination risks. The highlighted problems present gaps in human, animal and environment health, and will be addressed through the proposed solution.

To enhance traceability of drug molecules and support pharmacovigilance efforts by the regulator, we propose adding a barcode technology to the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) we previously developed and tested as a proof of concept. Information on the drug molecule approval codes, category of veterinary drug, batch number, VMD- approved numbers and storage conditions will be programmed using the barcode technology which will then be added in the drug label. When the drug is presented at the agrovets, the barcode on the product is scanned using a barcode reader (we will explore the possibility of using the reader capability installed on android phones), and if accepted, it gets to inventory of agrovet, and limited feedback sent to VMD to enable tracking distribution and use of the molecule across the country. Drugs that get rejected will be taken to the laboratory, for quality assessment, and anonymized results shared with VMD, as well as with the supplier. Accepted drugs get to the agrovet and are placed in respective shelves. During the sale, the product is scanned, and the same information collected (plus that on name of the drug, quantity sold, where the drug is to be used, and purpose for purchase).

The solution serves agrovet operators, their suppliers and customers, as well as the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD). The Automatic shelving of drugs will minimize time that agrovet operators spend on finding where specific drugs are located (which would avoid congestion, allow time for correct prescription, and reduce customer waiting time leading to customer satisfaction). By linking the system to mobile phones, notifications can be generated when an action is needed (for example, in case stock levels are low and there is need to re-order, drugs that are nearing expiry are moved to front shelves etc.). Incentives to encourage return of expired products or seek help with disposal will be explored. The proposed system will support compliance with regulations. VMD’s mandate is to regulate manufacture, importation, exportation, registration, distribution, prescription, and dispensing of veterinary medicines, as well as regulating the practice of veterinary pharmacy in Kenya. Pharmaceutical companies are registered in the system for imports, however, gaps in pharmacovigilance exist as VMD neither has a system nor capacity for collecting drug use data at the point of sale. Quality test results will be useful for monitoring while the training component will improve and deliver training on compliance (Mutua et al., 2024).