Original Contribution PHARMACOKINETICS OF PEFLOXACIN IN BIRDS

Serum drug disposition of pefloxacin was studied for 3 consecutive days in 20 broiler chickens and 9 homing pigeons (Columba livia) following drinking water medication with pefloxacin sodium salt at 125 mg/l and co-medication with maduramycin (only in chickens). The coccidiostatic drug was given with the fodder at 5 ppm for 1 week before and during the experiment. Subsequent serum concentrations of pefloxacin were determined by microbiological assay procedure using Escherichia coli Bay 14 as test microorganism. Study state levels of pefloxacin for chickens (1.8 µl/ml) and for pigeons (0.6 µl/ml) were obtained within one day. Pefloxacin levels in chickens were decreased after co-administration with maduramycin. We conclude that drinking water medication of pefloxacin at 125 mg/l in chickens and pigeons (Columba livia) might ensure serum concentrations therapeutically effective for most pefloxacin-sensitive pathogens (such as Gram-negative aerobes, Gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes).