Monitoring and Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Use and Antibiotic Resistance in Animals

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 54393

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Unit of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Interests: veterinary medicine; antimicrobial resistance; antibiotics; antimicrobial stewardship; cattle; benchmarking; veterinary epidemiology; mastitis; behaviour change; animal science

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to invite you to submit your research on veterinary antimicrobial use and resistance for publication in this Special Issue of Antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is a global One Health topic that affects us all, whether we are working in human or veterinary medicine. While antibiotic use in farm animals is decreasing in many countries, other nations are still using these essential medical resources as growth promoters for economic gain. As veterinarians responsible for animal welfare, it is vital that we are permitted to treat sick animals effectively, but we must learn to be more prudent in our use of these drugs. It is essential that we, as responsible clinicians, policy makers and researchers, develop methods of quantifying, monitoring, benchmarking, and reporting antibiotic use in both farm and companion animals, so that antimicrobial stewardship schemes can be implemented and their successes or failures analysed. This Special Issue therefore particularly encourages submissions in these areas of antibiotic use monitoring. The relationship between antimicrobial use and resistance in animals also requires further investigation, and we welcome submissions in this area as well.

Dr. Clair L. Firth
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • veterinary
  • antibiotics
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • treatment
  • animal
  • food safety
  • consumption
  • monitoring
  • stewardship
  • metrics

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Healthy Poultry Slaughtered for Human Consumption
by Vanessa Silva, Manuela Caniça, Eugénia Ferreira, Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Cândido Saraiva, José Eduardo Pereira, José Luis Capelo, Gilberto Igrejas and Patrícia Poeta
Antibiotics 2022, 11(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11030365 - 09 Mar 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2883
Abstract
Coagulase-negative staphylococci are commensals that are known to be prevalent in most environments, and they are also an important reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant genes. Staphylococcal infections in animal husbandry are a high economic burden. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence and species diversity [...] Read more.
Coagulase-negative staphylococci are commensals that are known to be prevalent in most environments, and they are also an important reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant genes. Staphylococcal infections in animal husbandry are a high economic burden. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence and species diversity of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) in poultry slaughtered for human consumption and to study the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. Swab samples were recovered from 220 commercial chickens, homebred chickens and quails. Species identification was performed using MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disc diffusion method against 14 antimicrobials. The presence of antimicrobial-resistant genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. Totals of 11 (19.6%), 13 (20.3%), and 51 (51%) MRCoNS were isolated from commercial chickens, homebred chickens and quails, respectively. S. lentus was isolated from all homebred chickens, whereas 11 S. lentus and 2 S. urealyticus were isolated from commercial chickens. As for quails, the most prevalent MRCoNS were S. urealyticus. Almost all isolates had a multidrug-resistant profile and carried the mecA gene. Most isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and fusidic acid and harbored the ermA, ermB, ermC, mphC tetK, tetL, tetM and tetO genes. This study showed a frequent occurrence of multidrug resistance in MRCoNS isolated from healthy poultry in Portugal. Full article
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29 pages, 2839 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Risk Assessment for the Introduction of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) into Dutch Livestock Farms
by Natcha Dankittipong, Egil A. J. Fischer, Manon Swanenburg, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Arjan J. Stegeman and Clazien J. de Vos
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020281 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2699
Abstract
Early detection of emerging carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in food-producing animals is essential to control the spread of CPE. We assessed the risk of CPE introduction from imported livestock, livestock feed, companion animals, hospital patients, and returning travelers into livestock farms in The Netherlands, [...] Read more.
Early detection of emerging carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in food-producing animals is essential to control the spread of CPE. We assessed the risk of CPE introduction from imported livestock, livestock feed, companion animals, hospital patients, and returning travelers into livestock farms in The Netherlands, including (1) broiler, (2) broiler breeder, (3) fattening pig, (4) breeding pig, (5) farrow-to-finish pig, and (6) veal calf farms. The expected annual number of introductions was calculated from the number of farms exposed to each CPE source and the probability that at least one animal in an exposed farm is colonized. The total number of farms with CPE colonization was estimated to be the highest for fattening pig farms, whereas the probability of introduction for an individual farm was the highest for broiler farms. Livestock feed and imported livestock are the most likely sources of CPE introduction into Dutch livestock farms. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the number of fattening pig farms determined the number of high introductions in fattening pigs from feed, and that uncertainty on CPE prevalence impacted the absolute risk estimate for all farm types. The results of this study can be used to inform risk-based surveillance for CPE in livestock farms. Full article
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14 pages, 5361 KiB  
Article
National Monitoring of Veterinary-Dispensed Antimicrobials for Use on Pig Farms in Austria: 2015–2020
by Clair L. Firth, Reinhard Fuchs and Klemens Fuchs
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020216 - 08 Feb 2022
Viewed by 1706
Abstract
Antimicrobial use in livestock production systems is increasingly scrutinised by consumers, stakeholders, and the veterinary profession. In Austria, veterinarians dispensing antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals have been required to report these drugs since 2015. Here, we describe the national monitoring systems and [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial use in livestock production systems is increasingly scrutinised by consumers, stakeholders, and the veterinary profession. In Austria, veterinarians dispensing antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals have been required to report these drugs since 2015. Here, we describe the national monitoring systems and the results obtained for Austrian pig production over a six-year period. Antimicrobial dispensing is described using the mass-based metric, milligrams per population correction unit (mg/PCU) and the dose-based metric, Defined Daily Dose (DDDvet) per year and divided into the European Medicines Agency’s prudent use categories. Pig production was divided into breeding units, fattening farms, farrow-to-finish farms, and piglet-rearing systems. Over all six years and all pig production systems, the mean amount of antimicrobials dispensed was 71.6 mg/PCU or 2.2 DDDvet per year. Piglet-rearing systems were found to have the highest levels of antimicrobial dispensing in DDDvet, as well as the largest proportion of Category B antimicrobials, including polymyxins. Although progress has been made in promoting a more prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine in Austria, further steps need to be taken to proactively improve animal health and prevent disease to reduce the need for antimicrobials, particularly those critically important for human medicine, in the future. Full article
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12 pages, 2203 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus hyicus Strains Isolated from Brazilian Swine Herds
by Andrea Micke Moreno, Luisa Zanolli Moreno, André Pegoraro Poor, Carlos Emilio Cabrera Matajira, Marina Moreno, Vasco Túlio de Moura Gomes, Givago Faria Ribeiro da Silva, Karine Ludwig Takeuti and David Emilio Barcellos
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020205 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1942
Abstract
Staphylococcus hyicus is the causative agent of porcine exudative epidermitis. This disorder affects animals in all producing countries and presents a widespread occurrence in Brazil. This study evaluated strains from a historical collection in order to detect the presence of exfoliative-toxin-encoding genes (SHETB, [...] Read more.
Staphylococcus hyicus is the causative agent of porcine exudative epidermitis. This disorder affects animals in all producing countries and presents a widespread occurrence in Brazil. This study evaluated strains from a historical collection in order to detect the presence of exfoliative-toxin-encoding genes (SHETB, ExhA, ExhB, ExhC, ExhD), characterize the strains using PFGE, and determine their respective antimicrobial resistance profiles. The results obtained from the evaluation of 77 strains from 1982 to 1987 and 103 strains from 2012 reveal a significant change in resistance profiles between the two periods, especially regarding the antimicrobial classes of fluoroquinolones, amphenicols, lincosamides, and pleuromutilins. The levels of multidrug resistance observed in 2012 were significantly higher than those detected in the 1980s. It was not possible to correlate the resistance profiles and presence of genes encoding toxins with the groups obtained via PFGE. Only 10.5% of the strains were negative for exfoliative toxins, and different combinations of toxins genes were identified. The changes observed in the resistance pattern of this bacterial species over the 30-year period analyzed indicate that S. hyicus could be a useful indicator in resistance monitoring programs in swine production. In a country with animal protein production such as Brazil, the results of this study reinforce the need to establish consistent monitoring programs of antimicrobial resistance in animals, as already implemented in various countries of the world. Full article
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13 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
Antibiotic Use and Resistance Knowledge Assessment of Personnel on Chicken Farms with High Levels of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Ica, Peru
by María Dávalos-Almeyda, Agustín Guerrero, Germán Medina, Alejandra Dávila-Barclay, Guillermo Salvatierra, Maritza Calderón, Robert H. Gilman and Pablo Tsukayama
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020190 - 01 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3411
Abstract
Poultry farming represents Peru’s primary food animal production industry, where antimicrobial growth promoters are still commonly used, exerting selective pressure on intestinal microbial populations. Consumption and direct animal-to-human transmission have been reported, and farmworkers are at high risk of colonization with resistant bacteria. [...] Read more.
Poultry farming represents Peru’s primary food animal production industry, where antimicrobial growth promoters are still commonly used, exerting selective pressure on intestinal microbial populations. Consumption and direct animal-to-human transmission have been reported, and farmworkers are at high risk of colonization with resistant bacteria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 54 farmworkers to understand their current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness in Ica, Peru. To gain insight into the potential work-related risk of exposure to bacteria, we also measured the AMR rates in Escherichia coli isolated among 50 broiler chickens. Farmworkers were unaware of antimicrobial resistance (31.5%) or antibiotic resistance (16.7%) terms. Almost two-thirds (61%) consumed antibiotics during the previous month, and only 42.6% received a prescription from a healthcare professional. A total of 107 E. coli chicken isolates were obtained, showing a high frequency of multidrug-resistant (89.7%) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production (71.9%). Among ESBL-producer isolates, 84.4% carried the blaCTX-M gene. Results identified gaps in knowledge that reflect the need for interventions to increase antimicrobial awareness among poultry farmworkers. The high AMR rates among E. coli isolates highlight the need to reduce antimicrobial use in poultry farms. Our findings reveal a critical need for effective policy development and antimicrobial stewardship interventions in poultry production in Ica, Peru. Full article
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20 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of Bacteria Isolated from Dogs with Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Infection: The Need for a Rational Use of Antibiotics in Companion Animal Health
by Giorgia Schirò, Delia Gambino, Francesco Mira, Maria Vitale, Annalisa Guercio, Giuseppa Purpari, Francesco Antoci, Francesca Licitra, Gabriele Chiaramonte, Maria La Giglia, Vincenzo Randazzo and Domenico Vicari
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020142 - 23 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4062
Abstract
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) represents a major viral threat to dogs. Considering the potential effects of pets on antimicrobial resistance, information on the CPV and associated bacterial co-infections is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility and [...] Read more.
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) represents a major viral threat to dogs. Considering the potential effects of pets on antimicrobial resistance, information on the CPV and associated bacterial co-infections is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug-resistance profiles of bacterial species from tissue samples of dogs with canine parvovirus infection. A set of PCR assays and sequence analyses was used for the detection and the molecular characterization of the CPV strains and other enteric viruses. Bacterial isolation, the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility via the disk diffusion method, and the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration were performed. The detection of β-lactamase genes and toxin genes for specific bacteria was also carried out. CPV infection was confirmed in 23 dogs. Forty-three bacterial strains were isolated and all showed phenotypic resistance. Seventeen multidrug-resistant bacteria and bacteria with high resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and metronidazole were detected. Almost 50% of the isolated Enterobacteriaceae were positive for at least one β-lactamase gene, with the majority carrying more genes as well. The evidence for multi-resistant bacteria with the potential for intra- or cross-species transmission should be further considered in a One Health approach. Full article
16 pages, 1304 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Antimicrobial Use and the Presence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria on Austrian Dairy Farms—A Pilot Study
by Clair L. Firth, Annemarie Käsbohrer, Peter Pless, Sandra Koeberl-Jelovcan and Walter Obritzhauser
Antibiotics 2022, 11(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020124 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
The assumed link between high levels of antimicrobial use on farms and selection for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria on that farm remains difficult to prove. In the pilot study presented here, we analysed total antimicrobial use on 50 dairy farms in Austria and also [...] Read more.
The assumed link between high levels of antimicrobial use on farms and selection for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria on that farm remains difficult to prove. In the pilot study presented here, we analysed total antimicrobial use on 50 dairy farms in Austria and also collected environmental samples to ascertain whether specific AMR bacteria were present. Antimicrobial use (AMU) analysis was based on electronic veterinary treatment records over a one-year period. Faecal samples for the assessment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli were collected from cowsheds, calf pens, and youngstock housing areas, as well as dust samples from barns, to isolate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Bacteriological cultures were carried out on selective agar. Farms were split into groups of 25 of the highest antimicrobial users and 25 of the lowest users. Overall, samples from 13/50 (26.0%) farms were found to be positive for the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli. Of these, eight farms were in the low user group and five were in the high user group. Only one farm was confirmed to harbour MRSA. Statistical analyses demonstrated that there was no significant difference in this study population between high or low antimicrobial use with respect to the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli on farms (p = 0.33). In conclusion, the presence of specific AMR bacteria on farms in this study population was not found to have a statistically proven relationship with their level of antimicrobial use. Full article
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16 pages, 1237 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance, Serologic and Molecular Characterization of E. coli Isolated from Calves with Severe or Fatal Enteritis in Bavaria, Germany
by Andrea Feuerstein, Nelly Scuda, Corinna Klose, Angelika Hoffmann, Alexander Melchner, Kerstin Boll, Anna Rettinger, Shari Fell, Reinhard K. Straubinger and Julia M. Riehm
Antibiotics 2022, 11(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11010023 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2861
Abstract
Worldwide, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) cause neonatal diarrhea and high mortality rates in newborn calves, leading to great economic losses. In Bavaria, Germany, no recent facts are available regarding the prevalence of virulence factors or antimicrobial resistance of ETEC in calves. Antimicrobial susceptibility [...] Read more.
Worldwide, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) cause neonatal diarrhea and high mortality rates in newborn calves, leading to great economic losses. In Bavaria, Germany, no recent facts are available regarding the prevalence of virulence factors or antimicrobial resistance of ETEC in calves. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 8713 E. coli isolates obtained from 7358 samples of diseased or deceased diarrheic calves were investigated between 2015 to 2019. Considerably high rates of 84.2% multidrug-resistant and 15.8% extensively drug-resistant isolates were detected. The resistance situation of the first, second and third line antimicrobials for the treatment, here amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, is currently acceptable with mean non-susceptibility rates of 28.1%, 37.9% and 50.0% over the investigated 5-year period. Furthermore, the ETEC serotypes O101:K28, O9:K35, O101:K30, O101:K32, O78:K80, O139:K82, O8:K87, O141:K85 and O147:K89, as well as the virulence factors F17, F41, F5, ST-I and stx1 were identified in a subset of samples collected in 2019 and 2020. The substantially high rates of multi- and extensively drug-resistant isolates underline the necessity of continuous monitoring regarding antimicrobial resistance to provide reliable prognoses and adjust recommendations for the treatment of bacterial infections in animals. Full article
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17 pages, 1563 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance in Isolates from Cattle with Bovine Respiratory Disease in Bavaria, Germany
by Alexander Melchner, Sarah van de Berg, Nelly Scuda, Andrea Feuerstein, Matthias Hanczaruk, Magdalena Schumacher, Reinhard K. Straubinger, Durdica Marosevic and Julia M. Riehm
Antibiotics 2021, 10(12), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10121538 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2667
Abstract
Patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) regarding Pasteurella multocida (n = 345), Mannheimia haemolytica (n = 273), Truperella pyogenes (n = 119), and Bibersteinia trehalosi (n = 17) isolated from calves, cattle and dairy cows with putative bovine respiratory disease syndrome were determined. The [...] Read more.
Patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) regarding Pasteurella multocida (n = 345), Mannheimia haemolytica (n = 273), Truperella pyogenes (n = 119), and Bibersteinia trehalosi (n = 17) isolated from calves, cattle and dairy cows with putative bovine respiratory disease syndrome were determined. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal trends in AMR and the influence of epidemiological parameters for the geographic origin in Bavaria, Germany, between July 2015 and June 2020. Spectinomycin was the only antimicrobial agent with a significant decrease regarding not susceptible isolates within the study period (P. multocida 88.89% to 67.82%, M. haemolytica 90.24% to 68.00%). Regarding P. multocida, significant increasing rates of not susceptible isolates were found for the antimicrobials tulathromycin (5.56% to 26.44%) and tetracycline (18.52% to 57.47%). The proportions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. multocida isolates (n = 48) increased significantly from 3.70% to 22.90%. The proportions of MDR M. haemolytica and P. multocida isolates (n = 62) were significantly higher in fattening farms (14.92%) compared to dairy farms (3.29%) and also significantly higher on farms with more than 300 animals (19.49%) compared to farms with 100 animals or less (6.92%). The data underline the importance of the epidemiological farm characteristics, here farm type and herd size regarding the investigation of AMR. Full article
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10 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
How Accurate Are Veterinary Clinicians Employing Flexicult Vet for Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Urinary Bacteria?
by Blaž Cugmas, Miha Avberšek, Teja Rosa, Leonida Godec, Eva Štruc, Majda Golob and Irena Zdovc
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101160 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2342
Abstract
Antibiotics are frequently used for treating urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs and cats. UTI often requires time-consuming and expensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Alternatively, clinicians can employ Flexicult Vet, an affordable chromogenic agar with added antibiotics for in-clinic AST. We investigated how [...] Read more.
Antibiotics are frequently used for treating urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs and cats. UTI often requires time-consuming and expensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Alternatively, clinicians can employ Flexicult Vet, an affordable chromogenic agar with added antibiotics for in-clinic AST. We investigated how well veterinary microbiologists and clinicians, without any prior experience, employ Flexicult Vet for the identification and AST of the most common canine and feline urinary pathogenic bacteria. We prepared 47 monoculture plates containing 10 bacterial species. The test’s mean accuracy was 75.1% for bacteria identification (84.6% and 68.7% for microbiologists and clinicians, respectively) and 79.2% for AST (80.7% and 78.2%). All evaluators employed Flexicult Vet with the accuracies over 90% for the distinctively colored bacteria like Escherichia coli (red), Enterococcus faecalis (turquoise), and Proteus spp. (pale brown). However, the evaluators’ experience proved important in recognizing lightly colored bacteria like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (accuracies of 82.6% and 40.3%). Misidentifications of E. faecium additionally worsened AST performance since bacterial intrinsic resistance could not be considered. Finally, only 33.3% (3/9) of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) were correctly detected. To conclude, Flexicult Vet proved reliable for certain urinary pathogens. In contrast, light-colored bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus), often misidentified, require a standard AST. Full article
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17 pages, 1472 KiB  
Article
The Antibiotic Treatment of Calf Diarrhea in Four European Countries: A Survey
by Cassandra Eibl, Ricardo Bexiga, Lorenzo Viora, Hugues Guyot, José Félix, Johanna Wilms, Alexander Tichy and Alexandra Hund
Antibiotics 2021, 10(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10080910 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5291
Abstract
Neonatal calves are commonly affected by diarrhea caused by different pathogens, but not always bacteria. Yet, antibiotics are routinely used as a treatment to an unknown extent. It was our goal to survey antibiotic use for the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea in [...] Read more.
Neonatal calves are commonly affected by diarrhea caused by different pathogens, but not always bacteria. Yet, antibiotics are routinely used as a treatment to an unknown extent. It was our goal to survey antibiotic use for the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea in different countries and to identify influencing factors. A total of 873 farmers and veterinarians in Austria, Belgium, Portugal, and Scotland participated in a voluntary online survey. The data were analyzed using classification and regression tree analyses and chi2 tests. Overall, 52.5% of the participants stated that they use antibiotics when treating neonatal calf diarrhea. Of those, 27% use them always, and 45% use highest priority critically important antibiotics. The most important factor differentiating antibiotic use practices was the country the participants were from, which could be due to regulatory differences between the countries. All antibiotic products stated were licensed for use in cattle, but several were not licensed for the treatment of diarrhea in calves. Our study shows that there is an urgent need for more scientific evidence to define best practices for the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea. Furthermore, consensual criteria for antibiotic therapy must be defined, and targeted training for farmers and veterinarians must be provided. Full article
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20 pages, 654 KiB  
Article
Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance in Turkey Farms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three European Countries
by Mayu Horie, Dongsheng Yang, Philip Joosten, Patrick Munk, Katharina Wadepohl, Claire Chauvin, Gabriel Moyano, Magdalena Skarżyńska, Jeroen Dewulf, Frank M. Aarestrup, Thomas Blaha, Pascal Sanders, Bruno Gonzalez-Zorn, Dariusz Wasyl, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Dick Heederik, Dik Mevius, Heike Schmitt, Lidwien A. M. Smit and Liese Van Gompel
Antibiotics 2021, 10(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10070820 - 06 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3679
Abstract
Food-producing animals are an important reservoir and potential source of transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to humans. However, research on AMR in turkey farms is limited. This study aimed to identify risk factors for AMR in turkey farms in three European countries (Germany, [...] Read more.
Food-producing animals are an important reservoir and potential source of transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to humans. However, research on AMR in turkey farms is limited. This study aimed to identify risk factors for AMR in turkey farms in three European countries (Germany, France, and Spain). Between 2014 and 2016, faecal samples, antimicrobial usage (AMU), and biosecurity information were collected from 60 farms. The level of AMR in faecal samples was quantified in three ways: By measuring the abundance of AMR genes through (i) shotgun metagenomics sequencing (n = 60), (ii) quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting ermB, tetW, sul2, and aph3′-III; (n = 304), and (iii) by identifying the phenotypic prevalence of AMR in Escherichia coli isolates by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (n = 600). The association between AMU or biosecurity and AMR was explored. Significant positive associations were detected between AMU and both genotypic and phenotypic AMR for specific antimicrobial classes. Beta-lactam and colistin resistance (metagenomics sequencing); ampicillin and ciprofloxacin resistance (MIC) were associated with AMU. However, no robust AMU-AMR association was detected by analyzing qPCR targets. In addition, no evidence was found that lower biosecurity increases AMR abundance. Using multiple complementary AMR detection methods added insights into AMU-AMR associations at turkey farms. Full article
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17 pages, 778 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Isolated from Sheep and Beef Farms in England and Wales: A Comparison of Disk Diffusion Interpretation Methods
by Charlotte Doidge, Helen West and Jasmeet Kaler
Antibiotics 2021, 10(4), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10040453 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2646
Abstract
Little data exist on the levels of antimicrobial resistance from bacteria isolated from British sheep and beef cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns on sheep and beef farms in England and Wales using multiple interpretation methods. Fecal [...] Read more.
Little data exist on the levels of antimicrobial resistance from bacteria isolated from British sheep and beef cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns on sheep and beef farms in England and Wales using multiple interpretation methods. Fecal samples (n = 350) from sheep and beef cattle were collected from 35 farms. Disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing against ten antimicrobials was carried out for 1115 (699 sheep, 416 beef) β-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli isolates. Susceptibility was interpreted using clinical breakpoints, which determine clinically resistant bacteria, and epidemiological and livestock-specific cut-off values, which determine microbiological-resistant bacteria (non-wild type). Using livestock-specific cut-off values, a high frequency of wild type for all ten antimicrobials was observed in isolates from sheep (90%) and beef cattle (85%). Cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns in antimicrobial resistance. Interpretation of susceptibility using livestock-specific cut-off values showed a cluster of isolates that were non-wild type to cefotaxime and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, whereas clinical breakpoints did not. A multilevel logistic regression model determined that tetracycline use on the farm and soil copper concentration were significantly associated with tetracycline non-wild type isolates. The results suggest that using human clinical breakpoints could lead to both the under-reporting and over-reporting of antimicrobial resistance in sheep and beef cattle. Full article
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16 pages, 2053 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Timor-Leste Based on Veterinary Antimicrobial Imports between 2016 and 2019
by Shawn Ting, Abrao Pereira, Amalia de Jesus Alves, Salvador Fernandes, Cristina da Costa Soares, Felix Joanico Soares, Onofre da Costa Henrique, Steven Davis, Jennifer Yan, Joshua R. Francis, Tamsin S. Barnes and Joanita Bendita da Costa Jong
Antibiotics 2021, 10(4), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10040426 - 12 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3423
Abstract
Monitoring veterinary antimicrobial use is part of the global strategy to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to quantify veterinary antimicrobials imported into Timor-Leste between 2016 and 2019 and describe the antimicrobial import profile of importers. Data were obtained from [...] Read more.
Monitoring veterinary antimicrobial use is part of the global strategy to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to quantify veterinary antimicrobials imported into Timor-Leste between 2016 and 2019 and describe the antimicrobial import profile of importers. Data were obtained from import applications received by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) of Timor-Leste. Import quantities were analysed by antimicrobial class, importance for human medicine, recommended route of administration and type of importer. An average of 57.4 kg (s.d. 31.0 kg) and 0.55 mg/kg (s.d. 0.27 mg/kg) animal biomass of antimicrobials was imported per year. Tetracyclines (35.5%), penicillins (23.7%), and macrolides (15.9%) were the commonly imported antimicrobial classes. Antimicrobials imported for parenteral administration were most common (60.1%). MAF was the largest importer (52.4%). Most of the critically important antimicrobials for human medicine were imported by poultry farms for oral administration and use for growth promotion could not be ruled out. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobials in animals in Timor-Leste is very low, in keeping with its predominantly subsistence agriculture system. Farmer education, development of treatment guidelines, and strengthening of the veterinary service is important for addressing the potential future misuse of antimicrobials especially in the commercial poultry industry. Full article
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16 pages, 5623 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey among Veterinarians, and Risk Factors Relating to Antimicrobial Use and Treatment Failure in Dairy Herds of India
by Deepthi Vijay, Jasbir Singh Bedi, Pankaj Dhaka, Randhir Singh, Jaswinder Singh, Anil Kumar Arora and Jatinder Paul Singh Gill
Antibiotics 2021, 10(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10020216 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5147
Abstract
The indiscriminate usage of antimicrobials in the animal health sector contributes immensely to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The present study aims to assess the antimicrobial usage pattern and risk factors for AMR in animal husbandry sector of India. A cross-sectional survey about Knowledge, Attitude, [...] Read more.
The indiscriminate usage of antimicrobials in the animal health sector contributes immensely to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The present study aims to assess the antimicrobial usage pattern and risk factors for AMR in animal husbandry sector of India. A cross-sectional survey about Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) among veterinarians was carried out using a questionnaire comprising of 52 parameters associated with antibiotic use and the emergence of AMR in dairy herds. Respondents’ KAP scores were estimated to rank their level of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Furthermore, risk factors associated with treatment failure were analyzed by univariable and multivariable analyses. Out of a total of 466 respondents, the majority had average knowledge (69.5%), neutral attitude (93.2%), and moderate practice (51.3%) scores toward judicious antibiotic usage. Veterinarians reported mastitis (88.0%), reproductive disorders (76.6%), and hemoprotozoan infections (49.6%) as the top three disease conditions that require antibiotic usage. Most of the veterinarians (90.6%) resorted to their “own experience” as the main criteria for antibiotic choice. The use of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIA) listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in animals, particularly quinolones (76.8%) and third-generation cephalosporins (47.8%), has been reported. On multivariable regression analysis of the risk factors, the lack of cooperation of the dairy farmers in the completion of a prescribed antibiotic course by the veterinarian and the demand for antibiotic use even in conditions not requiring antibiotic use were found to be significantly associated with the outcome variable “treatment failure” having respective odds of 1.8 (95%CI: 1.1–3.0) and 3.6 (95%CI: 2.3–5.8) (p < 0.05). The average KAP score of veterinarians, poor farm management practices, lack of awareness among farmers on prudent antibiotic use, and lack of antibiotic stewardship are the significant factors that need attention to combat the rising AMR in veterinary sector in India. Full article
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17 pages, 1937 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Organic and Conventional Dairy Herds in Sweden
by Karin Sjöström, Rachel A. Hickman, Viktoria Tepper, Gabriela Olmos Antillón, Josef D. Järhult, Ulf Emanuelson, Nils Fall and Susanna Sternberg Lewerin
Antibiotics 2020, 9(11), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9110834 - 21 Nov 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2942
Abstract
Monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and use (AMU) is important for control. We used Escherichia coli from healthy young calves as an indicator to evaluate whether AMR patterns differ between Swedish organic and conventional dairy herds and whether the patterns could be related to [...] Read more.
Monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and use (AMU) is important for control. We used Escherichia coli from healthy young calves as an indicator to evaluate whether AMR patterns differ between Swedish organic and conventional dairy herds and whether the patterns could be related to AMU data. Samples were taken twice, in 30 organic and 30 conventional dairy herds. Selective culturing for Escherichia coli, without antibiotics and with nalidixic acid or tetracycline, was used to estimate the proportions of resistant isolates. Microdilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for thirteen antimicrobial substances. AMU data were based on collection of empty drug packages. Less than 8% of the bacterial growth on non-selective plates was also found on selective plates with tetracycline, and 1% on plates with nalidixic acid. Despite some MIC variations, resistance patterns were largely similar in both periods, and between organic and conventional herds. For most substances, only a few isolates were classified as resistant. The most common resistances were against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. No clear association with AMU could be found. The lack of difference between organic and conventional herds is likely due to a generally good animal health status and consequent low AMU in both categories. Full article
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11 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli from Diarrheic Weaned Piglets after the Ban on Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Feed
by Do Kyung-Hyo, Byun Jae-Won and Lee Wan-Kyu
Antibiotics 2020, 9(11), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9110755 - 29 Oct 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2075
Abstract
This study aimed to survey the antimicrobial resistance profiles of 690 pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates obtained from Korean pigs with symptoms of enteric colibacillosis between 2007 and 2017, while assessing the change in antimicrobial resistance profiles before and after the ban on antibiotic [...] Read more.
This study aimed to survey the antimicrobial resistance profiles of 690 pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates obtained from Korean pigs with symptoms of enteric colibacillosis between 2007 and 2017, while assessing the change in antimicrobial resistance profiles before and after the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the antimicrobial resistance phenotype was analyzed through the disk diffusion method, and the genotype was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction. After the ban on AGPs, resistance to gentamicin (from 68.8% to 39.0%), neomycin (from 84.9% to 57.8%), ciprofloxacin (from 49.5% to 39.6%), norfloxacin (from 46.8% to 37.3%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (from 40.8% to 23.5%) decreased compared to before the ban. However, resistance to cephalothin (from 51.4% to 66.5%), cefepime (from 0.0% to 2.4%), and colistin (from 7.3% to 11.0%) had increased. We confirmed a high percentage of multidrug resistance before (95.0%) and after (96.6%) the ban on AGPs. The AmpC gene was the most prevalent from 2007 to 2017 (60.0%), followed by the blaTEM gene (55.5%). The blaTEM was prevalent before (2007–2011, 69.3%) and after (2012–2017, 49.2%) the ban on AGPs. These results provide data that can be used for the prevention and treatment of enteric colibacillosis. Full article
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