Detection of Antibiotic Residues in Milk and Public Awareness Level Assessment in Selected Districts of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Antibiotic residues in milk are a growing public health concern, primarily due to their role in fostering antimicrobial resistance. Consuming contaminated milk can pose significant health risks, especially in areas with weak regulatory systems and limited public awareness. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 to assess antibiotic residues in milk and stakeholder awareness. A total of 324 raw milk samples were randomly collected from dairy farms in Hawassa City (198 samples) and Wondo Genet woreda (126 samples). Samples were initially screened using the Delvotest SP sensor kit, and positives were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, structured questionnaires were administered to 60 dairy farmers to evaluate their knowledge and awareness of antibiotic residue. Results: Out of 324 milk samples tested, 29 (9%) were positive for antibiotic residues using the Delvotest SP kit. (HPLC confirmed oxytetracycline (OTC) in 8 (2.5%) samples and penicillin G (PnG) in 16 (4.9%) samples. The mean OTC concentration was below the Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limit (MRL), although some samples exceeded the limit (up to 122.76 µg/L), while PnG residues (up to 142.38 µg/L) markedly exceeded the MRL, indicating potential public health risks and regulatory noncompliance. Previous treatment history, adherence to the withdrawal period, and owner awareness of drug residues were significantly associated with the prevalence of drug residues. Samples from cows with recent antibiotic treatment showed significantly higher residue levels. Among 60 dairy farmers surveyed, only 8.3% were aware of antibiotic residues in milk. All veterinarians (100%) used broad-spectrum antibiotics for undifferentiated cases, mostly relying on clinical judgment rather than laboratory diagnosis, increasing the risk of drug residues and antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: The presence of antibiotic residues in milk and low awareness among dairy farmers in the study areas highlight a critical public health gap. Farmers' awareness of antibiotic residues was mainly influenced by education level, while veterinarians showed good knowledge of antibiotic risks, but gaps remain in laboratory diagnosis, record keeping, and regulatory understanding, indicating the need for targeted training and stronger residue control.