Drug Residue Surveillance in Beef Cattle at Federal Capital Territory Abattoirs: Implications for Public Health

The indiscriminate use of veterinary pharmaceuticals in Nigerian livestock production has raised concerns about residues in food-animal products destined for human consumption. Antibiotic and hormonal drug residues in beef can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruption in the human population. This study conducted surveillance for drug residues in beef from cattle slaughtered at abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory, including Gwagwalada, Nyanya, and Karu facilities. Muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from 80 cattle carcasses, processed, and screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for oxytetracycline, penicillin, streptomycin, and dexamethasone residues. Samples exceeding maximum residue limits established by Codex Alimentarius were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxytetracycline was detected in 28.8 percent of muscle samples and 37.5 percent of liver samples, with 12.5 percent exceeding the Codex maximum residue limit of 100 micrograms per kilogram. Penicillin was detected in 16.3 percent of liver samples. Dexamethasone was detected in 8.8 percent of samples. Non-compliance was significantly associated with animals sourced from farms in the North West zone, where injectable oxytetracycline use is reportedly highest. These findings highlight the inadequacy of withdrawal period compliance among livestock producers and the insufficient drug residue inspection capacity at Nigerian abattoirs. Recommendations include mandatory withdrawal period education, enhanced abattoir inspection protocols, and periodic national drug residue monitoring programmes. Keywords: drug residues, beef, oxytetracycline, abattoir, public health.