Prevalence of Antibiotic Residues in Table Eggs in Damietta Governorate

Objective: To detect antibiotic residues in table eggs in Damietta Province, Egypt. Design: Descriptive study. Samples: Ninety-eight egg samples (51 market and 47 balady eggs) were randomly collected from different private farms and markets in Damietta Province, Egypt. Procedures: The samples were qualitatively analyzed by Premi® SP-NT, Positive screened egg samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the detection of amoxicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and oxytetracycline. Results: Results of Premi® SP-NT showed that antibiotic residues were detected in 49 (96%) out of 51 market egg samples, of which 40 (85%) out of 47 balady egg samples. HPLC results confirmed that residues of tetracycline and oxytetracycline were detected in 100% of the examined eggs. Amoxicillin was detected in 100% of the examined egg samples. Ampicillin and amoxicillin were detected in 100% of eggs. However, 66% of the market eggs contained both ampicillin and amoxicillin. Conclusion: The presence of ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and oxytetracycline residues in 100% of the examined eggs suggests the misuse of antibiotics in poultry farms. Therefore, Premi® SP-NT is recommended as a rough screening test for poultry farms in Egypt, and the antibiotic withdrawal period should be noted.