Determination of Antibiotics Residues in Milk Samples Collected in the Different Sites of Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are commonly used in animal husbandry for medicinal, prophylactic and growth promotion purposes. Method: The prevalence of three groups of antibiotics; namely Gentamycin, Streptomycin and sulfonamides was studied in fresh milk available in five different study areas; namely Budhanilkantha, Dharmasthali, Tokha, Nepaltar and Gaushala from Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The milk samples (n=100) were collected from local dairy collection centers of Kathmandu valley. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis with rapid screening kits revealed that 6% (n=6) samples were positive for antibiotic residues in the fresh milk for gentamycin, streptomycin and sulfonamide groups. Total 5% milk samples contained unidentified antibiotics residues. Sulfonamides residues were found to be highest 3% (n=3) followed by gentamycin 2% (n=2) and streptomycin 1% (n=1) with no any milk sample with multiple residues. Total 2 samples were positive in Dharmasthali, 2 in Gaushala, 1 in Nepaltar, 1 in Tokha and no positive samples from Budhanilkantha area. There was no statistical significant difference between study areas and commonly used antibiotics residues in milk samples (P is greater than 0.05). Conclusion: The antibiotic residues were found above the maximum residue limits that presented serious threat to consumer health and raised a serious concern regarding the implementation and monitoring of international regulations.