Antibiotics in Poultry Feeding: Use Wisely to Protect Birds, People and Profits

Dr. Avinash Dhuleshwar Pange1*, Dr. Pradeep B. Ranaware2, Dr. Ramchandra Pandurang Patil4 and Dr. Prabhakar B. Ghorpade31Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Nimbargi, Taluka South Solapur, District Solapur, Maharashtra, India.2Veterinary Officer (Virology), Disease Investigation Section, Pune, Maharashtra, India. 4Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Pangaon, Taluka Barshi, District Solapur, Maharashtra, India.*Corresponding author: avinashpange@gmail.comdoi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23492523

India is one of the world’s leading egg-producing countries, and the responsible use of antibiotics is essential for maintaining poultry health and food safety. Although antibiotics are necessary for treating bacterial infections, their routine use in healthy birds for growth promotion or without proper diagnosis can be harmful. Such misuse may promote antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella. These bacteria can reach humans through meat, eggs, direct contact with birds and litter, and poultry manure contaminating agricultural land and water. Furthermore, slaughtering birds or using eggs before the prescribed withdrawal period may result in drug residues in food products. Therefore, antibiotics should be administered under veterinary supervision at the prescribed dose and for the recommended duration. Preventive vaccination, effective biosecurity, proper housing, hygiene and balanced nutrition can improve flock health and reduce dependence on antibiotics. Responsible antibiotic use is essential for protecting poultry, consumers and the environment while preserving the effectiveness of medicines for future use.