Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in normal and Pasteurella-infected Muscovy ducks

1. Disposition kinetics of florfenicol were studied in Pasteurella-free (control) and Pasturella-infected Muscovy ducks following intravenous and/or intramuscular injection in a single dose of 30 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the tissue distribution and residual pattern of the drug were determined in diseased ducks. 2. The maximum serum concentration of florfenicol in control healthy and infected ducks was reached 1 hour after intramuscular injection but the peak concentration in control ducks was higher than in infected birds. 3. The volume of distribution, total body clearance and systemic bioavailability were higher in infected ducks than in control birds 5.15 l/kg, 10.24 ml/kg/min and 73.03% respectively. Data relating to intravenous injection were analysed using a 2 compartment open model curve fit. 4. Florfenicol was not detected in the serum of infected ducks on the 7th day following intramuscular administration of 30 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 5 successive days but was detected in kidney, bile and liver.