Assessing Antibiotic Residues in Poultry Eggs from Backyard Production Systems in Chile, First Approach to a Non-Addressed Issue in Farm Animals

Abstract

Eggs are the main product generated from backyard poultry production systems (BPS) because they can quickly be consumed and sold to meet essential family needs. Nevertheless, antimicrobial residues can accumulate in this product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial residues in eggs produced by poultry kept in BPS in central Chile. To assess this, eggs were obtained from 83 BPS and analysed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic residues (families: tetracyclines, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and macrolides), using a Four-Plate Test screening method for the detection, based on a bacterial growth inhibition method. Results show a lack of biosecurity procedures at BPS level, making these systems susceptible to the dissemination of antimicrobial residues. These include intensive animal production units in the proximity, and the presence of shared watercourses with other farms. Furthermore, 66% of the surveyed owners are indicated as giving pharmacological treatments to their chickens. Eggs from 61 BPS were positive for at least one antimicrobial. Fifty-three BPS were positive for more than one antimicrobial, and one BPS was positive for all four antimicrobials tested. Consequently, there is a risk that poultry eggs produced in BPS in central Chile carry residues of different families of antimicrobials.

ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Carrying CTX-M Genes Circulating among Livestock, Dogs, and Wild Mammals in Small-Scale Farms of Central Chile

“…Although the use of antibiotics in Chilean terrestrial livestock remains unknown, the national health authority (Servicio Agricola Ganadero) advises the use of fluroquinolones and cephalosporins as a last resource antibiotic in livestock, following a susceptibility test [ 82 ]. Antibiotic residues of tetracyclines, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and macrolides have been found in eggs from backyard poultry production [ 83 ]. Thirdly, although the ERIC-PCR technique used has a high resolution and allows us to differentiate among E. coli strains from the same locality and host species [ 65 ], several other molecular techniques can improve our understanding of the transmission dynamics of resistance genes and E. coli .…”

Antimicrobial Usage Factors and Resistance Profiles of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Backyard Production Systems From Central Chile

“…A gap in the knowledge is recognized in terms of AM usage in BPS ( 82 , 83 ), leading to a potential misuse of AM in these settings. AM usage as disease preventers under BPS or similar low technification productive systems is well described ( 84 , 85 ), based on the socio-economic impact of this animal housekeeping production ( 10 ).…”

Varying combinations of Lactobacillus species: impact on laying hens’ performance, nitrogenous compounds in manure, serum profile, and uric acid in the liver

“…They improve nutrient usage and reduce N and P excretion ( Cromwell, 1999 ). However, according to some investigators, humans may become resistant to antibiotics in many foods, including eggs ( Mortier et al, 2005 ; Nisha, 2008 ; Cornejo et al, 2020 ). Lactic acid bacteria (noted as probiotics in this paper) are recommended for the replacement of antibiotics and are used to improve bird growth and performance ( Harimurti and Hadisaputro, 2015 ).…”