231 National colistin sales versus colistin resistance in Spanish pig production (Research paper – Miguela-Villoldo, 2019)

 

 

231 Research paper – Miguela-Villoldo – 2019 – National colistin sales versus colistin resistance in Spanish pig production

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance; Antibiotic use
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Antimicrobials, particularly colistin, have been the first choice to control a certain type pf bacteria (Gram-negative) in pig production, and often used preventively. However, colistin is now considered to be a last resort antibiotic in human clinical practice. In 2015, the colistin resistance gene (mcr-1) was discovered in China. This mcr-1 gene was then reported in Southern Europe in 2016 in bacteria from farm animals (poultry and pigs). Currently, eight mcr genes have been reported (mcr-1 to 8)). In 2016, the EMA (European Medicine Agency) aimed to reduce use of colistin in animals in the European Union and a voluntary strategic plan to reduce colistin use in pigs was introduced in Spain. A total of 70% of Spanish pig production companies joined the program, representing 80% of Spanish pig production. The impact of these recommendations in the colistin resistance levels in pigs in Spain is reported in this article.

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30660816/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.01.010
Country: ES

229 – The blaNDM-1-Carrying IncA C2 Plasmid Underlies Structural Alterations and Cointegrate Formation In Vivo (Research paper – Hadziabdic – 2019)

 

 

229 Research paper – Hadziabdic – 2019 – The blaNDM-1-Carrying IncA C2 Plasmid Underlies Structural Alterations and Cointegr

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance Disease/health
Species targeted: Poultry;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
Antimicrobial usage is most common trigger for the spread of antimicrobial resistance however reducing antibiotic use only is not sufficient to reverse resistance. Only eliminating antimicrobial selection pressure does not lead to plasmid loss in all plasmid/host combinations. In 2012, a type of Salmonella bacteria (Salmonella Corvallis) carrying a multi-resistance gene (blaNDM-1 plasmid) was detected in a wild bird in Germany. In recent broiler chicken infection study, we observed transfer of this genetic element to other bacteria. The stability of this gene transfer was observed in our in vivo study with broilers. Our study revealed most common structural alterations of this relevant gene were maintained in the experiments with the broiler flock. Results in this article indicate that for the future, reduction in antimicrobial usage must be combined with alternative approaches that target the loss of the resistance gene, in order to slow down the spread of resistance.

Where to find the original material: https://aac.asm.org/content/63/8/e00380-19; https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00380-19
Country: ES; IT; DE

211 – Biosecurity Practices in Spanish Pig Herds – Perceptions of Farmers and Veterinarians of the Most Important Biosecurity Measures (Research paper – Simon-Griffe – 2013)

 

 

211 Research paper – Simon-Griffe – 2013 – Biosecurity Practices in Spanish Pig Herds_ Perceptions of Farmers and Veterinarians of the Most Important Biosecurity Measures

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \External biosecurity
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
One hundred Spanish pig farms were surveyed to determine the biosecurity measures currently applied, as reported by farmers, and to investigate the importance awarded by farmers and veterinarians to each of these measures. Data was gathered by means of a questionnaire administered to farmers and veterinarians. Biosecurity measures were reported based on two scenarios: presence and absence of a highly contagious disease. The effect of farm type on the biosecurity level was also investigated. Farmers awarded significantly higher scores to their farms’ biosecurity than the veterinarians. According to both, the most important biosecurity measures were those aimed at minimising the risk of disease introduction by visits and vehicles. Biosecurity practices seeking to reduce the risk of disease introduction by breeding stock were not applied in many farms. Medium-sized to large farms located in high pig density regions reported higher biosecurity measures than small herds located in low pig density areas.

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23273732/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.11.028
Country: ES

186 Scoring biosecurity in European conventional broiler production (Research paper – Van Limbergen, 2018)

 

 

186 Research paper – Van Limbergen – 2018 – Scoring biosecurity in European conventional broiler production

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity
Species targeted: Poultry;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
The aim of this study was to measure biosecurity on conventional broiler farms in Europe, following a standardized procedure, and identify factors that can be improved. The current study used a risk-based weighted scoring system to assess the level of biosecurity on 399 conventional broiler farms in 5 EU member states. A possible relation between biosecurity and farm characteristics was investigated. The participating broiler farms scored better for internal biosecurity than for external biosecurity. There was variation between biosecurity scores for the different member states. Within external biosecurity, the subcategory related to “infrastructure and vectors” had the highest score, while the subcategory “visitors and staff” had the lowest. Within internal biosecurity, the subcategory “disease management” had the highest score. Internal biosecurity was inversely related to the number of employees and farm size. Results show better education of broiler farmers and their staff may help to improve biosecurity on broiler farms.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29077940; http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex296
Country: BE; FI; ES; PL; CY