
New Test Pinpoints Animal AntibioticBy Linda
McGraw August 18, 1999A new antibody developed and patented
by Agricultural Research Servicescientists quickly pinpoints a major antibiotic given to dairy cows and meat
animals. ARS researchers further developed a new test, using this antibody, to
detect the antibiotic Ceftiofur. Ceftiofur is used to treat mastitis in dairy
cows and respiratory diseases in cattle, pigs, and poultry. The federal Food and Drug Administrationroutinely screens milk, and USDAs
Food Safety Inspection Serviceroutinely checks meat products, to make sure they dont exceed the
tolerances for residues from antibiotics approved to treat animals. Currently,
these agencies measure residues by using time-consuming laboratory analytical
methods. The antibody test is much quicker and easier than current chemical analyses.
The test, with the ARS-patented antibody called CEFT-116, can detect Ceftiofur
in the low-part-per million (ppm) range in hundreds of milk samples per day.
Unlike chemical analyses, an antibody test requires very little clean up time. The researchers envision that CEFT-116 can be used alone or incorporated in
a test kit along with other antibodies. The advantage of developing an
immunoassay kit is that it can be used in the field by the dairy and meat
industries as a way to pre-screen their products for safety. The antibody has been licensed to a company for incorporation into an
immunoassay for measuring this antibiotic in milk. Scientific contact: Larry H. Stanker, ARS
Food and Feed Safety Research Unit,
College Station, Texas, phone (409) 260-9484, fax (409) 260-9332,
[email protected]. Story contacts Food and Feed Safety Research U.S. Department of Agriculture | |