Antibiotic usage and prevalence of antibiotic residue in broiler chicken in the Kumasi metropolitan area

Abstract

Introduction: the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming have led to the presence of antibiotic residues in meat products, which can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic usage, observance of withdrawal period and antibiotic residues in broiler chicken produced in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods: the study utilized a cross-sectional study design with 45 poultry farmers selected using a simple random sampling technique, while broiler chicken liver and gizzard samples were collected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and antibiotic residue levels were analyzed using a multiresidue method protocol by LC-MS/MS 5991-0013 EN (2012). Results: the study found that while most farmers knew antibiotics (88.9%), there was low knowledge of antibiotic resistance (31.1%), antibiotic residues (35.6%) and withdrawal periods (35.6%). The practice of withdrawal periods among farmers was also relatively low as adhered by 31.1% of the farmers. Antibiotic residues were present in broiler chicken liver and gizzard in the markets, though they were below accepted limits (< 0.001mg/kg). Conclusion: there is a need for antimicrobial resistance advocacy coupled with antimicrobial stewardship to be directed at poultry farmers, and further studies are needed on a national scale to quantify the antibiotic residues in poultry meat itself. The findings of this study hold significance for policymakers, poultry farmers and consumers, offering a foundation for informed decision-making and the development of strategies that promote responsible antibiotic use in the Kumasi metropolitan area and beyond.