Analysis of Antibiotic Residue and Resistance Gene Dissemination Pathways in Veterinary Clinic Environments: A Case Study of Beijing

Abstract

The intensification of companion animal care in urban China has led to the rapid proliferation of veterinary clinics, particularly in megacities such as Beijing. However, this expansion brings with it a largely overlooked set of environmental risks associated with the use and disposal of veterinary antibiotics. This study investigates the presence, mobility, and ecological implications of antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in small animal clinics across Beijing. Through site-specific contamination mapping, molecular diagnostics, and spatial flow analysis, we identify key zones of microbial persistence and chemical accumulation—including treatment surfaces, drainage systems, air particulates, and high-contact equipment. We further examine how horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and human–animal interaction collectively shape the clinical resistome. The study proposes a risk-based sanitation model informed by quantification strategies such as qPCR, LC-MS/MS, and GIS-integrated hotspot mapping. Our findings reveal the urgent need for targeted policy interventions, infrastructure upgrades, and staff-client behavior protocols to contain veterinary-sourced ARGs in high-density urban ecosystems. This work contributes to a broader One Health understanding of how antimicrobial stewardship must expand beyond hospitals and farms to include the microecologies of urban veterinary practice.