Tetracycline and penicillin residues in Lebanese raw cow milk

Abstract

Special attention concerning the use of antibiotics in cattle and especially in the production of raw milk is taking place nowadays. The aim of this study was to quantify tetracycline and penicillin residues found in the samples using ELISA methods and to see their health risks and diseases associated. Antibiotics should be prescribed by veterinarians only and the farmers should give the animals only the doses mentioned to prevent any further resistance. Antibiotics residues should not exceed the MRL to be on the safe side and to limit any undesirable effect. The microbiological profile of the raw milk samples collected was studied also in order to see their concentrations and their effects on consumers health. At the end of the study, we found that antibiotics use in the Lebanese farms is under control but need more improvement because the minority of the tested samples have ARs.