Poultry Farming Research Highlights Importance of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published by the International Livestock Research Institute found that commensal bacteria, particularly Enterococcus spp., play a significant role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in poultry farming. The research concluded that routine AMR surveillance in poultry is crucial to prevent the development of resistance in food animal production. The study analyzed environmental samples from semi-intensive and free-range poultry farms in Uganda, finding a 75% prevalence of Enterococcus spp. The researchers isolated several species, with E. faecalis being the most frequently isolated. Phenotypic resistance was observed to various antibiotics, with a significant association between semi-intensive systems and resistance to certain antibiotics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant association between semi-intensive systems and resistance to fluoroquinolones, tigecycline, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.
  • The researchers isolated E. faecalis as the most frequently isolated species, followed by E. faecium and E. lactis.
  • Phenotypic resistance was observed to 8 different antibiotics, with a prevalence of 75% for Enterococcus spp.
  • The study highlights the importance of routine AMR surveillance in poultry to prevent the development of resistance.
  • The research team suggests strategic interventions to limit the development of resistance in food animal production.

Statistics:

  • 75% of environmental samples (303/402) tested positive for Enterococcus spp.
  • 33.1% of isolates were E. faecalis, 21.4% were E. faecium, and 13.4% were E. lactis.
  • Phenotypic resistance was observed to:

+ Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim: 21.2%

+ Fluoroquinolone: 11.9%

+ Tigecycline: 11.8%

+ Ampicillin: 4.1%

+ Glycopeptides: 2.3%

+ Gentamicin: 2.0%

+ Linezolid: 1.0%

Sources:

  • Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in enterococci isolated from semi-intensive and free-range poultry farms in peri-urban Wakiso and rural Soroti, Uganda. The Microbe, 2025, 8():100515.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.microb.2025.100515.