TITLE:
Influence of Disease Control Practices on Occurrence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Antibiotic Residues in Milk from Kilosa and Morogoro Municipality
AUTHORS:
Mussa Paul, Paulo M. Sanka
KEYWORDS:
Antibiotic Residues, Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, Disease Control Practices, Public Health Risk
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.16 No.1,
December
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: The overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals has become a major global concern due to its contribution to antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the influence of disease control practices on antibiotic resistance and drug residues in cow milk from intensive and semi-intensive cattle farming systems in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 livestock keepers in Kilosa District (semi-intensive system) and Morogoro Municipality (intensive system). Data on disease control practices were obtained using structured questionnaires, while milk samples were analyzed for bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues. Results showed universal antibiotic use among livestock keepers in both districts. However, self-administration of drugs was more common in Kilosa (66%) compared to Morogoro (5.6%). Knowledge of withdrawal periods also varied significantly, with only 14.8% of farmers in Kilosa reporting awareness, versus 89.8% in Morogoro. Microbiological analysis revealed that 25% of milk samples from Kilosa were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus compared to 13% from Morogoro. Although the occurrence of resistant isolates did not differ significantly between the two sites, resistance levels were slightly higher in Morogoro. In terms of drug residues, 18.5% of milk samples in Morogoro tested positive, compared to 5.6% in Kilosa. These findings indicate that antibiotic use in livestock management contributes to the persistence of residues and resistant bacteria in milk, posing potential risks to consumer health and the environment. The study underscores the need for enhanced farmer education, stricter regulation of antibiotic use, and adoption of best practices to safeguard public health.