Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science,University of Kurdistan.
2
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan
3
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Knowledge University,Erbil,Iraq
10.22059/ijvm.2025.390507.1005752
Abstract
Background: Massive animal production has been aided by medicinal products; especially, antibiotics. Unfortunately, remnants of such drugs remain in animals’ tissues or are eliminated in their milk or eggs.
Objectives: To highlight the hazards of antibiotic residues in milk, and to check the frequency rate of these residues in the milk of cows, sheep, and goats.
Methods: One hundred fifty samples (50 for each cow, sheep, and goats) were collected randomly from different retail outlets in Erbil Governorate, from April 1st to June 30th, 2024. The residues were detected using Disc Diffusion Assay (DDA), Well Diffusion Assay (WDA), Delvotest, and ELISA methods.
Results: The frequency of residues according to DDA, WDA, and Delvotest were as follow: 12.0%,14.0 %,14.0%, in cow milk, 10,0%,14.0%,14.0%, in sheep milk and 10.0%,12.0%, 16.0%, in goat milk respectively. ELISA results showed that 29 samples of cow milk, 20 sheep milk, and 30 goat milk contain Beta Lactam. The antibiotic residues in milk samples from urban areas were higher (11.6%and 14.5%) than rural areas (9.9% and 12.3%). Seasonal variations, showed the highest level in April (20.9%) in antibiotic residue levels, and (8.9%) in June.
Conclusions: The frequency rate of antibiotic residues among cow, sheep, and goat milk samples collected from Erbil governorate is high. The antibiotic residues from urban areas were higher than those from milk samples from rural areas. It is crucial to promote awareness in the society concerning hazards of antibiotic residues in milk on public health.
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