Rapid antibiotic detection for illegal and unlicensed substances in animal feedingstuffs

Objective

In the EU, human health concerns have resulted in the antibiotic growth promoter’s avoparcin, spraying, tylosin, virginiamycin and zinc backtracking being banned from use in animal feeding stuffs. Existing "Community methods of analysis" are microbiologically based, non-specific, susceptible to feed component interference and unsuitable for effective policing of the ban. New screening and confirmatory tests are required. Firstly, immunoassay dipstick tests will be developed. Using the novel idea of antiidiotype monoclonal antis era as surrogate legends, carbon labelled monoclonal antis era, raised to each drug, will be employed in a competitive assay format resulting in robust, reliable & highly specific assays, less susceptible to interference than previous immune- or microbiological assays. Secondly mass spectrometric confirmatory techniques will be developed, allowing unequivocal identification/quantification of each antibiotic. Collaborative testing will establish their usefulness as definitive EUmethods of analysis. This twin-track approach will facilitate the effective implementation of EU policy.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST

Address

Stoney Road , Stormont
BT4 3SD Belfast
United Kingdom

Participants (5)

ATO B.V.

Netherlands

Address

Bornsesteeg 59
Wageningen

EURO-DIAGNOSTICS BV - HEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGY

Netherlands

Address

Beyerinekweg
6802 EA Arnhem

GENT UNIVERSITY

Belgium

Address

72,Harelbekestraat 72
9000 Gent

NETHERLANDS ORGANISATION FOR APPLIED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - TNO

Netherlands

Address

48,Utrechtseweg 48
3700 AJ Zeist

WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

Israel

Address

2 Herzl Street
76100 Rehovot