Prevalence of antibiotic residues in table Eggs

Abstract

Objective: To detect antibiotic residues in table eggs in Damietta province, Egypt. Design: descriptive study. Samples: Ninety-eight egg samples (51 market, 47 balady eggs) were collected randomly from different private farms and markets in Damietta province, Egypt. Procedures: The samples were qualitatively analyzed by Premi® SP NT, Positive screened egg samples were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the detection of amoxicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline Results: Results of Premi® SP NT showed that Antibiotic residues were detected in 49(96%) out of 51 market egg samples, of which 40 (85%) out of 47 balady egg samples, Results of HPLC confirmed that Residues of tetracycline and oxytetracycline were detected in 100% of examined eggs. Amoxicillin was detected in 100% of examined egg samples. Ampicillin and amoxicillin were detected in 100% of balady eggs. However, 66% of of market eggs included both ampicillin and amoxicillin, Conclusion: presence ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and oxytetracycline residues in 100% of examined eggs, suggests miss-use of antibiotics in poultry farms. Therefore, Premi® SP NT.is recommended as a rough screening test in poultry farms in Egypt and antibiotic withdrawal period should be notified.