Report highlights animal transport as risk for spread of resistant bacteria
A report last week from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggests steps could be taken to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food-producing animals during transportation.
Using information from international reports, scientific literature, European legislation, and expert knowledge, scientists with EFSA's Panel on Biological Hazards set out to assess the most significant risk factors associated with the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARB/ARGs) among poultry, pigs, and cattle when transported from the farm to the slaughterhouse. The panel was also asked to identify preventive measures and control options that could be implemented to reduce the spread of ARB/ARGs between food-producing animals during short and long journeys, and to identify data gaps.
The assessment identified the status that resistance (the presence of ARB/ARGs) of animals pre-transport as one of the main risk factors that almost certainly contributes to the probability of ARB/ARG transmission during transport, followed by increased fecal shedding, insufficient hygiene of vehicles and equipment, exposure to other animals carrying ARB/ARGs, and duration of transport. Among the factors that likely contribute to ARB/ARG spread were airborne transmission within the vehicle, health status of the animal, and high temperature and humidity.
To reduce the probability of ARB/ARG transmission in animals during transport, the report recommended minimizing the duration of transport, properly cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, organizing transport in relation to AMR criteria, improving biosecurity and animal husbandry and handling practices prior to and during transport, and segregating animals.
While a range of data gaps were identified, the panel said that quantifying the impact of transport on AMR transmission, compared with other stages of the food-production chain, was among the most urgent research needs.
"By identifying the main risk factors, mitigation measures and research needs in relation to the transport of animals, EFSA's assessment marks another step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, based on the principle of 'One Health,' which integrates animal and human risk assessment," Frank Verdonck, Head of EFSA's Biological Hazards & Animal Health and Welfare Unit, said in an EFSA press release.
Oct 25 EFSA report
Oct 25 EFSA press release
Avian flu strikes poultry in US, Mexico
Three states reported more highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks in poultry, including Minnesota, where the virus struck two commercial turkey farms, according to the latest updates from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
One of the Minnesota outbreaks occurred at a turkey farm in Le Sueur County in the southern part of the state that houses 20,100 birds. The other struck turkeys at a farm in Stearns County in central Minnesota that, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, has 75,000 birds.
Elsewhere, Colorado and Florida reported more outbreaks involving backyard birds.
So far, the Eurasian H5N1 outbreaks have led to the loss of nearly 47.8 million birds in 43 states.
USDA APHIS poultry avian flu updates
MBAH avian flu updates
In international developments, Mexico reported a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu outbreak at a commercial poultry farm Nuevo Leon state, near the border with Texas. The country had recently reported its first H5 detection in a wild bird.
According to the country's agricultural service, SENASICA, the virus struck a layer farm in Montemorelos that houses 60,000 birds. Officials said migratory birds from the United States and Canada are triggering the outbreaks, with additional detections found in wild birds in Tijuana and a family-owned layer farm in Juarez.
Oct 30 SENASICA report