Drug residues in poultry meat: A literature review of commonly used veterinary antibacterials and anthelmintics used in poultry

Poultry meat is widely consumed throughout the world and production practices often include the administration of pharmaceutical products. When appropriate, extra-label drug use of medications is necessary, but scientifically derived drug withdrawal intervals must be observed so that poultry meat is not contaminated with drug residues which could pose health risks to consumers. Over the past decade, there has been increased advocacy for judicious use of antimicrobial drugs for treating food animals. Judicious use of medications is commonly referred to as practices that reduce antibiotic resistance, but also includes residue avoidance. In that light, many investigators have performed scientific studies and have published estimated pharmacokinetic parameters for veterinary medications used in commercial avian species. This manuscript is a review of medication classes that have been studied in poultry (mostly chickens) with an emphasis on drug residue depletion in poultry meat.