Coccidiostats in treating coccidiosis

Coccidiostats are a group of veterinary antibiotics, the residues of which in, e.g. meat or other edible tissues, are potentially dangerous to human health and life. Thus, it is important to effectively prevent intoxications. For that purpose it is essential to gather data on those antibiotics. Coccidiostats are used mainly in treating and preventing coccidiosis – a disease of the intestinal track of animals, especially of the poultry, caused by parasitic protozoans of the Eimeria genus. Two major groups are used – polyether ionophores and chemical coccidiostats, which differ in origin and mechanisms of action. Their application is governed by the Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council, in which the application of the following 11 coccidiostats was authorized: salinomycin, narasin, monensin, maduramicin, semduramicin, lasalocid, robenidine, nicarbazin, halofuginone, diclazuril and decoquinate. Each of the mentioned coccidiostat present in the products of animal origin can lead to intoxication resulting from production errors and poor manufacturing practices. The effects of those compounds in food include symptoms such as: polyneuropathy, rhabdomyolysis, hypercalcaemia, respiratory failure and even death of patients. The coccidiostats are irreplaceable in treating coccidiosis, which can always be associated with the possibility of their occurrence in food. The present-day methods used to identify these medicines make it possible to monitor the products as regards the occurrence thereof and to reduce the risk of exceeding safe dose limits as set out in the relevant legal acts.