Abstract
The deleterious effects of the residues of antibacterial drugs have been considered as one of the most serious problems in the world on the basis of their importance in both veterinary and human fields. Therefore, the present study was planned out to evaluate the residual levels of oxytetracycline in camel tissues in Tripoli area in Libya. Forty samples of slaughtered camel's tissues (10 of muscle, 10 of liver, 10 of kidney, and 10 of fat) were collected from different carcasses at different slaughter houses in Tripoli districts. The samples were homogenized, extracted and residual concentrations of oxytetracycline have been measured using liquid chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) technique and oxytetracycline standard. Oxytetracycline residues have been detected in 60% in muscle, 80% in liver, 90% in kidney and 70% in fat samples. The samples, although positive, yet decided acceptable as the detected levels were less than that were regulated by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for oxytetracycline maximal residual levels (100, 300, 600 and 100 μg/Kg muscle, liver, kidney or fat, respectively). The authors recommended avoiding irrational use of oxytetracycline in veterinary practice and camel in particular; and sticking to the withdrawal time regulated and labelled for drugs used in therapy among veterinary personnel, organizations, and governmental agencies in Libya.