ABSTRACT

Antibiotics have played positive role in the growth, prevention and treatment of microbial diseases in the aquaculture industry. Some fish farmers however, use antibiotics in an incorrect way especially for prevention of diseases, resulting in antibiotic residues in cultured fish and fish products. In this study, Trimethoprim residue was analyzed in fish samples from selected ponds in Edo South, Edo State, Nigeria. Qualitative analysis was carried out using semi-structured questionnaire on the pattern of antibiotics usage, knowledge of occurrence and risks of antibiotics residues in fish from the ponds. Results showed that 85% of the respondents administered antibiotics in ponds with tetracycline being the most used. Extraction was done using the QuEChERS method and analysis was carried out by HPLC. Trimethoprim residues were observed in fish samples from pond 1 and 2 with mean concentration of 1.710 ± 0.360 mg/kg and 1.846 ±0.005 mg/kg respectively, no residual concentration was observed in pond 3. The mean residual concentration observed in pond 1 and 2 were above the maximum residue limit of Trimethoprim (0.05 mg/kg) specified by the European Union. Human health risk analysis showed hazard quotient for pond 1 (0.248) and pond 2 (0.267) less than 1 which indicates  low risk from consumption of catfish from these ponds.. There is, however, the need for sensitization of fish farmers and consumers on the risk of high level of antibiotics residue in fish.