Tetracycline residue in fresh and processed <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> from selected fish farms and markets in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used extensively to treat infections in both man and animals, however, its abuse could contribute to the emergence of antibioticresistant micro-organisms. This study was conducted to determine the tetracycline residue in Clarias gariepinus from selected fish farms and markets in Ibadan. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to 116 consenting farmers to obtain information on antibiotic usage amongst others in five LGAs of Oyo State. Ten fish farms and two major markets (Sabo and Bodija) were purposively selected based on generated data. One hundred fresh fish, twenty (20) smoked catfish and water samples were tested for tetracycline residue using Elisa Test Kit (Rayto^® SF-510). Tetracycline usage was (69%) compared with erythromycin (25%), enrofloxacin (22.4%), penicillin (25%), sulfamethazole (12.1%) and virginiomycin (6%). Tetracycline residues were detected in both fresh and smoked fish samples. Tetracycline residue was not detectable in 8:3 (16%:30%) samples; 10:5 (20%:50%) samples which had values below Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of (200ng/ g) in fish muscle, while the remaining 32:2 (64%:20%) samples had values above MRL respectively. The mean residue level of the detectable tetracyclines (236ng/g) was higher than the recommended MRL (200ng/g) in fish muscle. It is therefore established that tetracycline was being used indiscriminately in fish ponds in the area. It is imperative that farmers should be enlightened on proper usage of antibiotics based on prescription and the need to observe withdrawal periods before fish harvesting. Veterinarian and Public Health officers should pay closer attention to ensuring that good management practice and hazard analysis critical control points are maintained in fish production and distribution chain.

Keywords: Antibiotic, Elisa Test kit, Maximum residue limit, Withdrawal periods