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A professor of veterinary medicine, Victoria Adetunji has expressed worry over the indiscriminate use of antibiotics by livestock producers and product processors.

Contained in her inaugural lecture delivered at the University of Ibadan, Adetunji pointed to findings suggesting the widespread misuse of antibiotics in the poultry industry, leading to antibiotic resistance and potential health risks for consumers.

In the lecture titled, “The Three Adversaries: The Voyage of a Public Health Veterinarian,” the study identified the presence of tetracycline residues in chicken products raises concerns about antibiotic resistance and its impact on human health.

Samples taken for the study indicated the potential misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming practices at the locations where chicken products were obtained.

The presence of residues in all tissues, the study further revealed, suggested widespread antibiotic administration to cattle before slaughter.

The study noted the need for stringent regulations on veterinary medicines in food animals to prevent toxic antibiotic residues in commercially produced animal products.

Rather than concentrate on the use of antibiotics, the research advocated alternative growth promotion methods, such as adding digestive enzymes and probiotics to animal feed and improving biosecurity measures.

The research called on government, through organisations like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Consumer Protection Council and Standards Organisation of Nigeria to ensure constant monitoring of residues in locally produced or imported food animal products and implement mechanisms to reduce public health risks by detoxifying or chelating residues in the environment.

“Our study revealed detectable levels of these antibiotics in all tissues, with the highest concentrations in muscles, followed by livers, and the lowest levels in kidneys.

“The levels of oxytetracycline and penicillin-G detected in the kidneys, livers, and muscles were all below the WHO/FAO recommended maximum residue limits.

“However, our findings indicated indiscriminate antimicrobial use in animals, which raises concerns about the potential bioaccumulation of residues and the development of antibiotic resistance.

“There is a strong need to emphasize the need for stringent regulations on veterinary medicines in food animals to prevent toxic antibiotic residues in commercially produced animal products. Alternative growth promotion methods, such as adding digestive enzymes and probiotics to animal feed and improving biosecurity measures, are highly recommended,” the report read.

Aside from the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for livestock, the study also noted that human beings engage in the improper use of antibiotics daily without seeking guidance from a healthcare practitioner.

The study noted that improving education and communication on antibiotic stewardship programmes is crucial to prevent the looming antibiotic threat.

“Our study suggests that Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis, is gradually developing resistance to antibiotics.

“There was evidence of unprescribed use of antibiotics in poultry and a failure to observe antibiotic withdrawal periods. These constitute a risk of exposure to unacceptable levels of drug residues from poultry products and an increased risk of ABR.

“The presence of residues in all tissues sampled is particularly concerning in Nigeria, where cattle are commonly consumed and raw unpasteurized milk is consumed, especially by young children and cattle owners.

“The study suggests that low doses of antimicrobials administered by livestock traders may explain the low levels detected, but also highlight the risk of prolonged exposure leading to antimicrobial resistance. Nomadic herders administer chemotherapeutic agents without veterinary prescription and likely at incorrect dosages, according to an earlier report.

“It’s crucial to exercise caution when using antibiotics in fish farms and enforce strict laws to ban harmful drugs like chloramphenicol, which are already banned internationally,” Adetunji said.

“We, therefore, recommend that AST research methods must be of global standard and additional efforts should be made towards education of the general public on best practices of antibiotics usage and the dangers of AMR,” the report read.