Drug residues in poultry meat: A literature review of commonly used veterinary antibacterials and anthelmintics used in poultry

Abstract

Poultry meat is widely consumed throughout the world and production practices often include the administration of pharmaceutical products. When appropriate, extra-label drug use of medications is necessary, but scientifically derived drug withdrawal intervals must be observed so that poultry meat is not contaminated with drug residues which could pose health risks to consumers. Over the past decade, there has been increased advocacy for judicious use of antimicrobial drugs for treating food animals. Judicious use of medications is commonly referred to as practices that reduce antibiotic resistance, but also includes residue avoidance. In that light, many investigators have performed scientific studies and have published estimated pharmacokinetic parameters for veterinary medications used in commercial avian species. This manuscript is a review of medication classes that have been studied in poultry (mostly chickens) with an emphasis on drug residue depletion in poultry meat.

Antimicrobials in chicken commercial feeds in Vietnam: a three-year longitudinal study before a nationwide ban of growth promoters

“…However it is of concern that in our study cohort farms tended to use these feeds towards the end of the production cycle with high drug concentration. This resulted in long elimination pro le of antimicrobials, therefore posing a risk of residues in poultry meat (28).…”

Antimicrobials in Chicken Commercial Feeds in Vietnam: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study Before A Nationwide Ban of Growth Promoters

“…However it is of concern that in our study cohort farms tended to use these feeds towards the end of the production cycle with high drug concentration. This resulted in long elimination pro le of antimicrobials, therefore high risk of residues in poultry meat (25).…”

Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for poultry

“…The potential for distribution of antimicrobial agents into the eggs of laying birds is an important consideration when developing treatment plans for laying birds and this subject has been comprehensively evaluated. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] As seen in Appendix 2, there are very few drugs approved for use in birds and even fewer for birds currently producing eggs for human consumption. This is primarily a consequence of the presence, often for prolonged periods, of residues of the antimicrobial agent or its metabolites in meat and/or eggs.…”