Survey on the occurrence of antimicrobial drug residues (chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and sulphamethazine) in Romanian slaughter pigs

Samples of blood serum, kidney, and liver from slaughter pigs (n = 52) were collected in three Romanian districts. Samples were analysed for residues of chloramphenicol (CAP), streptomycin (STR), and sulphamethazine (SMA) by enzyme immunoassays. CAP was sporadically detected in serum samples at a ma ximum concentration of 4 ng/ml, but all liver and kidneys samples were nega tive. STR was most frequently found in liver, but a few serum and kidneys s amples were also positive. SMA was detected in kidney and liver samples at low levels (< European Union maximum residue limit), which may occur even a fter the withdrawal period. To identify the herds with violative level of S MA, CAP, and STR, analysis of tissues from a few animals seems to be indica tive for the residual status in the herd.