Detection of antibiotic residues in camel and goat meat from markets in Mogadishu city, Somalia

Abstract

Introduction: in veterinary medicine, antibiotics are commonly used as feed additives, growth boosters for disease prevention and treatment. In food animals, antibiotic drug residues pose a major threat to the food chain if used inappropriately if the withdrawal durations before slaughtering treated animals are not followed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residue in fresh meat from camel and goat at three markets from Mogadishu city. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to November 2021 to determine the antibiotic residue in meat from three main wet markets in Mogadishu city using Premi® (R-Biopharm, Germany) test Kit. Data were compiled and analyzed in Epi Info™ software, version 7.2.3.1 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, USA). Results: the result of this study showed insignificantly the higher prevalence 9/50 (18% CI: 95% 8.6-31.4) antibiotic residue in camel meat compared to 4/50 (8% CI: 95% 2.2-19.2) goat meat (OR: 2.5; χ2= 2.2, p = 0.152). Conclusion: this result emphasizes the importance of public education on the judicial application of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals in order to maintain therapeutic efficacy for sustainable livestock production and protect human health. Recommendation: to prevent drug residues in animal products, the recommended measures may include education and sensitization of farm owners about proper antimicrobial usage and adverse effects of irrational drug use, observance of the withdrawal period, effective surveillance, monitoring, implementation of the national AMR policies/regulations, and control on the use of veterinary drugs.