Johnson, S.A.M.

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial drugs are important tools in the management of infectious diseases in both animals and human beings. Their use in food animal production, could lead to the occurrence of antimicrobial residues in the animal products such as meat and eggs. Antimicrobial residue in animal food products has been associated with adverse effects such as hypersensitivity reactions, development of resistant strains of microorganisms, carcinogenic effect and potential harmful effect on human intestinal microflora. In Ghana, there is no monitoring program for antimicrobial residue in foods of animal origin. This study determined the types of antimicrobial drugs used in poultry production in the Dormaa municipality and the levels found in poultry products. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted between December 20 IO and June 20 l l. A structured questionnaire was administered to managers, caretakers and owners of randomly selected farms which covered demographic characteristics, educational status, and type of antimicrobial drugs used, knowledge and adherence to withdrawal periods. Laboratory detection and quantification of residues in poultry products was conducted using microbial inhibition plate assay. Results: A total of 132 fanners, mostly males (97.7%) were interviewed from l 15 farms. Almost half (40.9%) of the fanners had a junior high school education. Ninety eight (74.2%) had not had any training in antimicrobial usage. Most fam1s, (86%) administered drugs to the birds for prophylactic purposes. Eighty one (6 l.4%) farmers did not know what withdrawal period meant. A total of 28 (24.3%) farms had tetracycline residue in eggs, 25 (2 1.7%) in kidney and 14 (12.2%) in liver. Mean (±SD) tetracycline concentration (~tg/g) found in poultry products were: eggs 0.02±0.003; kidneys 0.02±0.01; and liver 0.01±0.008. Twenty six farms (92.9%; p>0.05) that had residues in eggs had sold eggs during treatment of the laying birds. A disinfectant, omnicide® (44.3%) and 2 antibiotics in human formulations namely, tetracycline 20 ( 17.4%) and Chloramphenicol 3 (2.6%) capsules were administered to the birds on an extra-label basis. Conclusion: Tetracyclines were the main drugs used in poultry farming in the Dormaa municipality with little or no regards for withdrawal periods. Tetracycline residue was found in poultry but was below the Maximum Residue Level set by Codex AJi.mentarius. Extra-label use of disinfectant to water-medicate birds pose health hazard to farmer and consumer. Training of poultry farmers and other stakeholders in the correct of use of drugs in poultry farming is recommended. Keywords: antimicrobial residue, poultry products, extra-lab{'! use, Dormaa municipality, Ghana