Background: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in poultry farming, is a growing public health concern. Although there has been a significant increase in the poultry industry in Malawi, there is limited data on antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR awareness, and bacterial resistance profiles in chicken meat.

Objective: This study aimed to assess AMU, AMR awareness among poultry farmers and investigate AMR profiles of Escherichia coli , Enterobacter , and Salmonella isolated from chicken meat samples in Mzimba, Malawi.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2025. Structured interviews were used to assess AMU and AMR awareness among poultry farmers. A total of 100 chicken meat samples were collected for isolation of E. coli , Enterobacter , and Salmonella . Antimicrobial susceptibility assay was performed and data was analyzed using WHONET 2022, Stata 15.0, and R Studio.

Results: Of 100 samples, 27% samples were positive to more  than on  bacteria. 69% were positive for E. coli , 12% for Enterobacter , and 2% for Salmonella . Among 69 E. coli isolates, resistance was high to ampicillin (85.4%), meropenem (65.2%), and tetracycline (65.2%), with lower resistance to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin (10.14% each); 63.7% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Among 12 Enterobacter isolates, resistance was notable to ampicillin (83.3%), meropenem (66.7%), and cefepime (25%), with 75% being MDR. Most farmers (93.3%) used antibiotics for prevention, treatment, and growth promotion, while 6.7% used herbal medicine such as herbal extracts. Poultry Farmers often relied on agro-dealers for antibiotic advice, and self-treatment was common among poultry farmers. AMR awareness was moderate.

Conclusions: Widespread AMU in Mzimba's poultry farming, coupled with high resistance in E. coli and Enterobacter to antibiotics, including those critical for humans, poses significant public health and food safety risks. Urgent implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs and strategic interventions is essential to control of AMR in Malawi

Key words: antimicrobial resistance, chicken meat, bacterial isolates, Mzimba