Quantification of Veterinary Antibiotics and Antibiotics Resistant Bacteria in Poultry Droppings

The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry farming for disease treatment and growth promotion has raised significant environmental and public health concerns. This study investigates the environmental and public health risks associated with the excretion of antibiotics in poultry droppings, focusing on the types, concentrations, and potential impacts, such as antibiotic resistance, of these substances on ecosystems and human health. Using solid‐phase extraction and LC–MS analysis, antibiotic residues were quantified in 15 samples, with neomycin sulfate having the highest concentration (29.9 mg/kg) and ampicillin the lowest (16.1 mg/kg). Physicochemical analysis revealed slightly acidic pH (5.7–5.76), moderate electrical conductivity (608–611 μS/cm), and total dissolved solids (250–252 mg/L). Risk quotients (RQs) for ampicillin exceeded 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish, indicating high ecological risks. Environmental risk assessments revealed that ampicillin posed a significant risk to aquatic species, as indicated by RQs exceeding 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish. Microbiological analysis identified microbial loads ranging from 1 × 10 8 to 3 × 10 11 CFU/mL. A MALDI–TOF MS was used to confirm 26 Escherichia coli isolates, all of which showed resistance to at least two antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was observed in 8 isolates (31%). Resistance was highest to ticarcillin–clavulanic acid and norfloxacin (92%), while amikacin exhibited the highest susceptibility (92%). The highest MDR occurrence was linked to antibact 3x (oxytetracycline HCl, neomycin sulfate, and tylosin tartrate). A survey of 50 poultry farm workers revealed that 100% used antibiotics, with 50% administering them daily. Most disposed of droppings for crop use, yet all disposed of drug containers alongside manure, posing contamination risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reform, farmer education, and stricter guidelines on waste treatment to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect environmental and human health.