Camel Milk Safety: What Happens After Deworming?
Camel milk is celebrated for its unique taste and health benefits. However, a critical question arises regarding food safety: What happens when camels are treated with deworming medicines like Albendazole and Ivermectin?
The Study: Tracking Medicine Residues in Camel Milk
A recent study aimed to determine how long these medicines persist in camel milk after treatment.
Methodology
- Subjects: 10 camels divided into two groups.
- Treatment:
- Group 1: Albendazole
- Group 2: Ivermectin
- Sampling:
- Milk samples collected daily for the first four days.
- Subsequent samples taken every two weeks for six months.
- Blood samples also collected from the Albendazole group.
- Testing Method: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Findings
Albendazole
- Peak Residues: Detected on Day 2 and Day 48.
- Persistence: Residues still present after 210 days.
- Concern: The allowed limit is very low, raising safety concerns.
Ivermectin
- Peak Residues: Detected on Day 101.
- Persistence: Residues still present after 172 days.
- Concern: The allowed limit is also very low.
Implications for Food Safety
The study reveals that these medicines linger in camel milk for extended periods. This necessitates:
- Stricter Regulations to ensure the safety of camel milk for consumption.
- Further Research to understand the long-term effects of these medicines on camel milk.
- Caution in Deworming Practices to prevent unsafe residue levels in milk.
The study also highlights that the concentration of medicine in the milk correlates with that in the blood, indicating that milk can serve as a reliable indicator of residual medicine levels in the camel's body.
Conclusion
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to fully grasp the impact of these medicines on camel milk and to establish safe usage guidelines. Ensuring the safety of camel milk for human consumption remains a priority.
