DETECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF BETA-LACTAM RESIDUES IN KOSOVO’S MILK USING ELISA METHOD

摘要

Objective: Beta-lactams are used most commonly in the treatment of gram positive and gram negative bacterial infections in people and animals . However, their extensive use often not following any safety criteria, in many cases, has led to the contamination of milk intended for human consumption, which can have serious and unanticipated implications for human health. The aim of this study is to detect and asses s beta-lactam residues in Kosovo's milk , and to evaluate the exact application of antibiotics on Kosovo's dairy cattle. Methods: 127 samples of raw milk were collected from 80% of dairy farms in Kosovo that were visited during 2011. The samples were analyzed in the laboratories of the Veterinary Institute in Skopje using Elisa screening method. The drug use and mode of delivery was assessed through a specific questionnaire which identifies problems with drug treatment of cattle. Results: From 127 milk samples, 64 of them or 50.4% were contaminated with beta-lactam residues, while 15or 11.6% already passing the maximum residue limit. Cows treated with beta-lactams78or60% of the total received the drug intramuscularly and 40 or 31% of total received it intramammary. Conclusion: We conclude that there is a clear risk involved in the consumption of dairy milk, as far as the presence of antibiotics is concerned. Therefore, it is vital that all inspection controls are strengthened to monitor records on the treatment of animals as well as the proper use of antibiotics