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Agricultural industry

ESBL-Producing Bacteria in Poultry Farms Poses Risk to Animal and Human Health

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers in Zimbabwe have identified a high prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing in poultry farms, highlighting the need for measures to limit the development and dissemination of these bacteria. ESBL-producing are resistant to critical antibiotics and pose a significant risk to animal and human health. The study, published in Microbial Genomics, used genomic analysis and Geographic Information System mapping to visualize the distribution of ESBL-producing clones.

Key Takeaways:

  • ESBL-producing were detected at 42% of farms and 100% of markets in Zimbabwe, highlighting the widespread presence of these bacteria in poultry.
  • Seventy isolates of ESBL-producing were obtained, and all but one were multidrug-resistant, indicating a high level of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Genomic analysis revealed evidence for clonal expansion of an ESBL-producing clone and horizontal gene transfer via plasmids, which are key mechanisms for the dissemination of ESBL-producing in this setting.
  • The study identified eight distinct variants of ESBL-producing, with the most prevalent clone, ST1141, being highly conserved and harboring multiple antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • The researchers emphasized the importance of adopting measures such as prudent antimicrobial use and farm biosecurity to limit the development and dissemination of ESBL-producing.

Statistics:

  • 42% of farms in Zimbabwe were found to be contaminated with ESBL-producing bacteria.
  • 100% of markets in Zimbabwe were found to be contaminated with ESBL-producing bacteria.
  • 70 isolates of ESBL-producing were obtained, with all but one being multidrug-resistant.
  • 8 distinct variants of ESBL-producing were identified, with the most prevalent clone, ST1141, being found at 9 farms.

Sources:

  • Dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in poultry in Zimbabwe. Microbial Genomics, 2025;11(7).
  • Animal and Plant Health Agency Reports Findings in Poultry Farming (Dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in poultry in Zimbabwe). Agriculture Week. July 31, 2025; p 3.

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