Inappropriate usage of selected antimicrobials: Comparative residue proportions in rural and urban beef in Uganda

Abstract

IntroductionIn most developing countries like Uganda, antimicrobials including β-lactams and tetracyclines are used indiscriminately in livestock. When livestock get sick and treatment is necessary, some producers and veterinarians use these drugs with minimal controls to prevent residues from occurring in the beef sent to markets. This study was done to determine the presence of drug residues above acceptable limits of two commonly used antimicrobials in Uganda’s rural and urban beef.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted of 134 cattle carcasses from eight different slaughter slabs over twelve weeks. This study entailed 81 samples of rural and 53 samples of urban origin. To enable detailed analysis these samples were categorized according to age (maturity), breed, and sex. For each of the 134 carcasses, three samples of liver, kidney and muscle were taken and homogeneously mixed into one sample, which was tested for β-lactam and tetracycline drug residues.ResultsThe results were statistically significant for β-lactam levels (χ2 = 22.10, df = 10, p = 0.0146) with average concentration (μg/kg) of 2.93:29.3 (rural: urban), though not for tetracycline levels (χ2 = 3.594, df = 10, P = 0.9638) with average concentration (μg/kg) of 5.028:12.83 (rural: urban). Age (maturity) had significant effect at all values of antibiotic level (F(1, 68) = 5.06, p = 0.0278). Age effect was extremely significant (F(1, 68) = 15.51, p = 0.0002).ConclusionA significant difference existed in drug residue proportions of β-lactam and tetracycline antimicrobials among Uganda’s rural and urban beef. A significant difference also occured in drug residue proportions of these two commonly used antimicrobials related to age (maturity), but neither breed, nor sex, of Uganda’s rural and urban beef.

Antimicrobial Residues in Food from Animal Origin—A Review of the Literature Focusing on Products Collected in Stores and Markets Worldwide

“…For a clearer evaluation, all studies with salmon, other fish from aquaculture, and shrimp were combined as seafood in the evaluation, as can be seen in Figure 2 . Cattle [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], Eggs [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], Milk [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ], Pork [ 58 , 59 , 60 ], Poultry [ 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ,…”

Data on antimicrobial use in livestock: Lessons from Uganda

“…A number of empirical studies on AMU in animal farming have been carried out recently in the region, but they are based on small samples and results cannot be extrapolated to the national level. Basulira et al [ 11 ], for instance, investigated AMU in beef production by studying antimicrobial residues in a sample of 134 cattle carcasses in Uganda. Manishimwe et al [ 12 ] assessed the appropriateness of AMU in Rwanda surveying 229 farmers.…”

Genetic diversity and risk factors for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance across human, animals and environmental compartments in East Africa: a review

“…Such practices include the use of antimicrobials in feeds as growth-promoters and to prevent infections [ 51 – 53 ] . For instance, Basulira et al [ 49 ] reported a higher median concentration of antimicrobials such as beta -lactam antibiotics in adult carcass beef compared to young carcass beef samples. Such high levels of beta-lactam in feeds might be attributed by the indirect use of β-lactam antibiotics and tetracycline in feeds, drenches, drinking water and feed additives in the fattening systems [ 49 ].…”

“…For instance, Basulira et al [49] reported a higher median concentration of antimicrobials such as beta-lactam antibiotics in adult carcass beef compared to young carcass beef samples. Such high levels of beta-lactam in feeds might be attributed by the indirect use of β-lactam antibiotics and tetracycline in feeds, drenches, drinking water and feed additives in the fattening systems [49]. In the Maasai community, consumption of unboiled (raw) milk was associated with increased odds of carriage of E. coli resistant to single and multiple antibiotics [38].…”