Assessment of Veterinary Antibiotic Use and Occurrence of Veterinary Antibiotics in Livestock Manure from Farms in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya

Veterinary antibiotics are commonly used in livestock rearing to prevent diseases and stimulate growth. The release of antibiotics into the environment has become a significant environmental and public health concern. This research evaluated antibiotic use, livestock treatment, manure utilization, livestock waste treatment methods and antibiotic residues in livestock manure. Questionnaires were administered to 170 farmers rearing both cattle and poultry. Subsequently, 28 livestock manure samples from 15 cattle and 13 poultry rearing farms were collected from various farms to assess concentrations of tetracyclines (Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline) and sulfonamides (Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethoxazole) residues. Residues analysis was done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD). Veterinarians were the most preferred in treating both cattle and poultry in farms. Tetracyclines and sulfonamides were the most consumed class of antibiotics among both poultry and cattle rearing farmers. Compost manure and Biogas were the most preferred use of animal waste within farms. Antibiotic presence in samples was detected in 80% and 93% of cattle and poultry manure respectively. Maximum antibiotic concentrations of 16.24 and 15.18 (mg/kg) were recorded in poultry and cattle manure, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in antibiotic concentrations in poultry and cattle manure (P<0.05). The results of this research are important in monitoring rising concerns about veterinary antibiotics on environmental and public health.