Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

FATE, TRANSPORT, AND TOXICITY OF VETERINARY ANTIMICROBIALS WITH AN INSIGHT ON AFRICA: A REVIEW

Martha N. Chollom, Sudesh Rathilal, Feroz M. Swalaha and Babatunde F. Bakare

Abstract

The prevalence of veterinary antimicrobials (VA) used have received little attention as compared to those used in human therapy. The usage of these antimicrobials has contributed to an increase in antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. The latter get through into the environment by various means and are able to spread their genes into other microbes in the receiving bodies. The study presented here tried to give a comprehensive review on the classification, consumption, toxicity of veterinary antibiotics. The fate, transport and behaviour of these VA in the environment is also expounded. It also focused on antimicrobial resistance in some animals and comparative studies were made to elucidate practices in the developing and developed economies, the conclusion drawn therefore was that urgent policies for the prevention of anti-resistant microorganism should be pursued. The information provided will allow a better understanding of this distress that is emerging.