Use Of Antibiotics In Food Animals: A Case Study Of A Major Veterinary Outlet In Ekiti-State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted on the pattern of antimicrobial use in animals in Ekiti State. A weight by weight comparison of the various drugs showed prevalent use of gentamycin, benzyl penicillin tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and neomycin in that order. This is ascribed to high dosage volume of the respective drugs. The percentage consumption by weight of the drugs was stable for tetracycline, neomycin, penicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tylosin through the period. There is an increased percentage use of quinolones (Flumeqine and Erofloxacin), chloramphenicol and gentamycin. This signifies a shift in the antibiotics in favour of quinolones, chloramphenicol and gentamycin. The public health implication of these drugs is hereby discussed. Keywords : Quinolones, Percentage, Dosage Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 28 (1) 2007 pp. 80-82