THE ISOLATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT COLIFORMS FROM MEAT AND SEWAGE

Beef and pig carcases, meat products, frozen chickens, and sewage were examined in 3 separate surveys for antibiotic resistant coliforms. Escherichia coli was isolated from 18 of 50 beef carcases; the numbers were low and resistance was found only to tetracycline. E. coli was isolated from 45 of 50 pig carcases; the numbers were high and showed a range of patterns of multiple antibiotic resistance. In meat products, the proportion of E. coli in contaminating organisms was low, and most resistance found was to tetracycline and streptomycin. E. coli was isolated from 66 of 75 chickens and these gave 23 patterns of antibiotic resistance, often multiple. Sewage from hospital or domestic origin and abattoir effluent yielded approximately 10⁶ coliforms/ml, most of which were resistant to one or more antibiotics; few of those from hospital or domestic origin however, were classified as E. coli of faecal origin. Twenty-four patterns of resistance were found in coliforms from domestic sewage, 19 from hospital sewage and 11 from abattoir effluent. Transfer of resistance, often multiple, was achieved from 55% of 447 resistant strains to an E. coli K₁₂ recipient. Much more information is required on the prevalence of R-factors in bacteria associated with food producing animals and their products.     

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and its resistance to antibiotics in poultry in the Czech Republic

Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp., in particular Campylobacter jejuni, are among the most frequently identified pathogens, found to be causing human gastrointestinal infections in Europe, with the Czech Republic being no exception. The presented work aimed at assessing results of the first nationwide monitoring of prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks in the Czech Republic, including a comparison of antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni isolates collected from poultry and the human community. The monitoring was carried out in poultry slaughterhouses in 2006 and 2007. From broilers, cloacal swabs were collected and examined. The human isolates of C. jejuni were acquired from rectal swabs in community patients with diarrhoeal diseases. Suspected isolates of both animal and human origin were confirmed by the PCR methods. Antibiotic resistance to selected anti-microbial agents was tested by the microdilution method. In the monitored period, the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in broilers in the Czech Republic reached almost 50%. In 2006, C. jejuni was detected in 46% and Campylobacter coli in 3% of the tested samples. In 2007, C. jejuni was found in 43% and C. coli in 2% of the samples. The results of anti-microbial susceptibility testing of C. jejuni showed higher resistance in animals when compared with humans. The only exception was tetracycline with higher resistance in isolates of human origin. The highest resistance detected was to quinolone antibiotics. Resistance to oxolinic acid was 77% in animal and 60% in human isolates, to ciprofloxacin 72% in isolates from poultry and 55% in those from humans. In ampicillin, 26% of poultry isolates and 16% of human isolates were resistant. Moreover, 9% of animal isolates demonstrated resistance to streptomycin, undetected in human isolates. In erythromycin, resistance was found in 6% of poultry and 1% of human isolates.     

The isolation of salmonella from kangaroos and feral pigs processed for human consumption

A total of 154 feral pig carcases and 81 kangaroo carcases were examined for the presence of Salmonella, coliforms and total aerobic counts. Approximately 34% of pig carcases yielded one or more serotypes of Salmonella, while about 11% of kangaroo carcases were contaminated with salmonella. The results differed widely between sampling occasions. A total of 13 serotypes were isolated from feral pigs with S. anatum (31 isolates) and S. typhimurium (9 isolates) being the predominant serotypes. Coliforms were isolated from approximately 90% of carcases. The mean log10 coliform count on feral pigs was 4.39 +/- 1.45/g and the mean log10 total count was 6.15 +/- 1.15/g. About 21% of carcases were contaminated with more than 100,000 coliforms/g. A total 3 serotypes were isolated from kangaroos (S. bahrenfeld, S. binza, and S. onderstepoort). The mean log10 coliform count on kangaroos was 3.54 +/- 1.04. More than 50% of kangaroo carcases were contaminated with less than 100 coliforms/g. About 15% of carcases were contaminated with more than 10,000 coliforms/g. The mean log10 total count was 5.2 +/- 1.01/g.     

Prevalence, numbers and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Salmonella serovars and Campylobacter spp. in retail poultry in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Salmonella and Campylobacter are common bacterial pathogens associated with human gastro-enteritis; and raw poultry is considered to be an important source of these bacteria. To evaluate whether the Salmonella serovars and Campylobacter spp. bacteria could be monitored for the purpose of microbial presence, enumeration and antimicrobial resistance in raw poultry, 152 poultry carcasses were randomly selected from 10 markets in retail outlets of Phnom Penh during March 2006 to February 2007. The majority of poultry samples was contaminated by Salmonella serovars (88.2%) and Campylobacter spp. (80.9%). A very high contamination of Salmonella was found at 3-4 log?? CFU/g for 22.4% of samples and of Campylobacter at 7-8 log?? CFU/g for 1.3% of samples. Fifty nine different Salmonella serovars contaminated 134 poultry carcasses; five most prevalent serovars covered 29.1% of serovars isolates (Anatum, Typhimurium, Corvallis, Stanley and Enteritidis). Three Campylobacter species contaminating 123 raw poultry were Campylobacter jejuni (50.0%), Campylobacter coli (29.0%) and Campylobacter lari (21.0%). High antibiotic resistance percentages were found among Salmonella serovars and Campylobacter spp. isolates. This study revealed that raw poultry at the retail outlets in Phnom Penh markets are contaminated with high prevalences of food-borne pathogens, and communicating the importance of minimizing this risk in reducing human infections.     

Investigation of hygiene aspects during air chilling of poultry carcases using a model rig

1. An experimental rig, designed and built to simulate conditions found in commercial poultry chilling systems, was used to investigate the effects of varying air temperature and chilling duration, and the effect of chlorinated water sprays, on the microbial load present on the skin and in the body cavity of freshly eviscerated poultry carcases; deep muscle and skin temperatures were monitored during chilling at three different temperatures. 2. During dry chilling for 2 h, total viable microbe counts (TVC) and counts of coliforms and pseudomonads from the body cavity fell by between half and one log unit; smaller reductions were observed in samples from the breast skin. 3. The situation changed when chlorinated water sprays (50, 100 or 250 ppm available chlorine) were applied for the first hour of chilling; spraying carcases enhanced the reduction in numbers on the skin; the effect was most pronounced with 250 ppm chlorine; conversely in the body cavity, the general effects of sprays was to increase contamination by up to one log unit. 4. There was no evidence that sprays increased the rate of chilling. 5. When carcases were held overnight in the rig at 11 degrees C after chilling, microbe counts on dry-chilled carcases remained stable, but increased on carcases that had been sprayed with chlorinated water.     

禽养殖场中季铵盐抗性菌株的分离及其I类整合子特性研究

对来自禽养殖场的季铵盐抗性菌进行分离及鉴定,并通过分析第一类整合子特性来探讨整合子对细菌耐药性的影响。生化鉴定耐药菌,采用K-B法研究菌株对10种抗生素的药敏试验,PCR法扩增一类整合酶基因和内部的基因盒,电泳检测后测序。结果显示：22株菌全部对至少3种抗生素表现出耐药性。Ⅰ类整合子检测全部阳性,检出率为100%。对其基因盒进行扩增,只有11株检测含有耐药基因盒,其序列分析显示多对甲氧苄啶、氨基糖苷类抗生素耐药。Ⅰ类整合子广泛存在于禽养殖环境菌中,其对细菌多重耐药的产生和传播起着重要作用。     

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from chilled meat at retail outlets

Antibiotic resistance was investigated in Escherichia Coli isolated from beef, veal, lamb and pork at retail level. A total of 100 samples from each meat species was examined. About 16% of the 400 samples were contaminated with resistant E.coli. Significantly more E.coli isolates from pork were drug-resistant than isolates from other meats (P<0.01). About 7% of the combined beef, veal, and lamb E.coli isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics compared to about 40.0% of the pork isolates (P<0.01) Transfer of resistance was observed for 39.2% of multiple resistant isolates. The results presented form a base for future monitoring of the presence of antibiotic-resistant coliforms on meat suitable for human consumption.     

Microbial cross-contamination during air chilling of poultry

1. Cross-contamination during air chilling of poultry carcases was investigated using a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of Escherichia coli K12 as a marker organism. 2. Experiments were carried out on 2 types of commercial chiller, with and without the use of water sprays (evaporative cooling), and a pilot-scale chiller in which conditions could be varied as required. 3. In the commercial chillers, the marker was dispersed in all directions from a single inoculated carcase and transmission was increased by the use of chlorinated water sprays. 4. Similar results were obtained with the pilot-scale chiller, where the marker was recovered from 45/54 uninoculated carcases; cross-contamination was not prevented by spraying carcases with water containing 50 mg/l of free available chlorine. 5. Despite the ease of microbial transmission from inoculated carcases, cross-contamination during air chilling is likely to be less than that occurring at earlier stages of poultry processing, when carcases are more heavily contaminated.     

Low levels of antibacterial drug resistance expressed by Gram-negative bacteria isolated from poultry carcasses in New Zealand

Abstract

AIM: To provide baseline data on the levels and patterns of antibacterial drug resistance expressed by Gram-negative bacteria isolated from poultry carcasses in New Zealand.

METHODS: Between July and December 2006, isolates of Escherichia coli (n=407) and Salmonella spp. (n=3) originating from carcass-rinse samples were submitted by testing laboratories affiliated to five major poultry processing plants. Isolates of Campylobacter jejuni (n=193) originating from retail poultry carcasses in 2005–2006 were retrieved from the Massey University archives. All isolates underwent disc diffusion susceptibility testing against panels of 12 (Enterobacteriaceae) and six (Campylobacter spp.) antibacterial drugs. Cephalothin-resistance in isolates of E. coli was confirmed using ETest strips, and confirmation of the resistance phenotypes for a subset of C. jejuni isolates used microbroth dilution assays. Patterns within the resistance phenotypes of the isolates were investigated using hierarchical clustering, and logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS: The majority of isolates (71.5% E. coli, 99% C. jejuni, and all three Salmonella spp. isolates) were fully susceptible to the drugs that were tested. Four (1%) E. coli isolates showed resistance to three or more drugs. The proportions of susceptible E. coli differed between the five processing plants. Resistances were detected in E. coli isolates, using disc diffusion to cephalothin (18.2%), ampicillin (4.4%), tetracycline (4.4%) and gentamicin (1.5%). There was an association between cephalothin-resistant isolates of E. coli and decreased susceptibility to gentamicin. Using ETests to ascertain the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of E. coli for cephalothin gave inconsistent results. One of 193 C. jejuni isolates was resistant to erythromycin, and microbroth dilution assays confirmed that this panel of C. jejuni was generally susceptible to antibacterial drugs.

CONCLUSIONS: The levels of resistance shown by Gram-negative bacteria isolated from chicken carcasses in New Zealand are among the lowest reported around the world. No resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporin drugs was detected in E. coli, suggesting that CTX-M and AmpC beta-lactamases are rare or absent. Salmonella spp. are rarely isolated from poultry carcasses during routine testing in New Zealand, and the isolates identified during this study were fully susceptible to the drugs tested. A panel of C. jejuni isolates originating from retail poultry carcasses were susceptible to first-line and second-line antibacterial drugs. The use of cephalothin as a marker of resistance to first-generation cephalosporins may not be appropriate for non-type-specific E. coli of animal origin.     

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from chilled meat at retail outlets

Antibiotic resistance was investigated in Escherichia coli isolated from beef, veal, lamb and pork at retail level. A total of 100 samples from each meat species was examined. About 16% of the 400 samples were contaminated with resistant E.coli. Significantly more E.coli isolates from pork were drug-resistant than isolates from other meats(P<0.01). About 7% of the combined beef, veal, and lamb E.coli isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics compared to about 40.0% of the pork isolates (P<0.01) Transfer of resistance was observed for 39.2% of multiple resistant isolates. The results presented form a base for future monitoring of the presence of antibiotic-resistant coliforms on meat suitable for human consumption.     

Multiple antibiotic resistance in fecal, cecal and colonic coliforms from pigs fed therapeutic and subtherapeutic concentrations of chlortetracycline

Multiple resistance and antibiotic resistance were examined in coliforms isolated at slaughter from the large intestines of two groups of growing pigs that had received antibiotic-free diets since weaning. One group of pigs was from an antibiotic-fed (AB) herd that routinely received chlortetracycline (CTC) in feed, while the other group was from a nonantibiotic-fed (NAB) herd that had not received antibiotics for 8 yr. After a 20-d adjustment period in a common production facility, the mean number of antibiotics in the resistant pattern of isolates from NAB pigs was found to be lower (P less than .05) than that in isolates from AB pigs. The proportions of isolates resistant to ampicillin, kanamycin, neomycin, penicillin, streptomycin and sulfamethizole were lower (P less than .05) in NAB pigs than in AB pigs. Similar herd differences were not observed after pigs from both herds were maintained in a common production facility on an antibiotic-free diet for 105 d. Oral administration of CTC at therapeutic (220 micrograms/g of diet) and at subtherapeutic (27.5 micrograms/g) levels for 14 d increased (P less than .05) the mean numbers of antibiotics in the resistance patterns of isolates from NAB pigs, but did not alter multiple resistance in isolates from AB pigs. After 14 d, subtherapeutic CTC increased the percentage of isolates resistant to ampicillin, kanamycin, penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and sulfamethizole, while therapeutic CTC only increased the percentage of isolates from NAB pigs resistant to penicillin, tetracycline and sulfamethizole. Similar antibiotic effects were not seen in isolates from AB pigs after 14 d and were not seen in isolates from either group of pigs at the end of an 85-d feeding trial.     

High prevalence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli from large- and small-scale poultry farms in Bangladesh

Antibiotic resistance in avian bacterial pathogens is a common problem in the Bangladesh poultry industry. The aim of the present study was to provide information on the present status of antibiotic resistance patterns in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in Bangladesh. Of 279 dead or sick poultry of different ages, 101 pathogenic E coli strains isolated from broilers and layer hens with colibacillosis infections were screened to determine phenotypic expression of antimicrobial resistance against 13 antibiotics used in both veterinary and human medicine in Bangladesh. Of 101 pathogenic E. coli isolates, more than 55% were resistant to at least one or more of the tested compounds, and 36.6% of the isolates showed multiple-drug-resistant phenotypes. The most common resistances observed were against tetracycline (45.5%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (26.7%), nalidixic acid (25.7%), ampicillin (25.7%), and streptomycin (20.8%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin (12.9%), chlormaphenicol (8.9%), nitrofurantoin (2%), and gentamicin (2%) was also observed, and none of the isolates were resistant to tigecycline as well as extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. One isolate was resistant to cefuroxime (1%), cefadroxil (1%), and mecillinam (1%) but was not an ESBL producer. Resistance rates, although significant in Bangladeshi isolates, were found to be lower than those reported for avian isolates from the Republic of Korea and clinical, avian, and environmental isolates from Bangladesh. The high level of antibiotic resistance in avian pathogens from Bangladesh is worrisome and indicates that widespread use of antibiotics as feed additives for growth promotion and disease prevention could have negative implications for human and animal health and the environment.     

Genetic relatedness of high-level aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci isolated from poultry carcasses

Approximately 46% (75/162) or poultry enterococci collected between 1999 and 2000 exhibited high-level resistance to gentamicin (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] > or = 500 microg/ml), kanamycin (MIC > or = 500 microg/ml), or streptomycin (MIC > or = 1000 microg/ml). Forty-one percent of the isolates were resistant to kanamycin (n = 67), whereas 23% and 19% were resistant to genramicin (n = 37) and streptomycin (n = 31), respectively. The predominant species identified was Enterococcus faecium (n = 105), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (n = 40) and Enterococcus durans (n = 8). Using polymerase chain reaction, the isolates were examined for the presence of 10 aminoglycoside resistance genes [ant(6)-Ia, ant(9)-Ia, ant(4')-Ia, aph(3')-IIIa, aph(2")-Ib, aph(2")-Ic, aph(2")-Id, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia, and aac(6')-Ii]. Five aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected, most frequently aac(6')-Ii and ant(6)-Ia from E. faecium. Seven E. faecalis isolates resistant to gentamicin, kanamycin, or streptomycin were negative for all genes tested, indicating that additional resistance genes may exist. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates were genetically different with little clonality. These data indicate that enterococci from poultry are diverse and contain potentially unidentified aminoglycoside resistance genes.     

Drug enrichment of commercial poultry feeds and human health in the tropical developing countries

Eighty per cent of Enterobacteriaceae isolates from battery poultry exhibited drug resistance in a survey among university and commercial poultry flocks. These birds, being a source of human food, may serve as an important reservoir for human pathogenic drug-resistant enteric organisms. Feeds used on University and Commercial poultry farms were found to be inhibitory to standard test organisms--Oxford strain of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli K 12 J5 NA+ Lac-. Feed additives, which purportedly were mineral and vitamin supplements, were found to be highly laden with antibacterials, a quantitative estimation of which revealed that one of them, termed A & D Crumbles contained as much as 3000 (three thousand) micrograms of antibiotic per g, while another feed additive known as ADVIT contained 130 micrograms of antibiotic per g of the feed supplement. These are routinely added to poultry feeds, a practice which may easily lead to development of drug resistance among enteric pathogens that may, in turn, reach humans and complicate therapy of human bacterial infections. This may be of a considerable public health significance.     

Dissemination of central nervous system tissue during the slaughter of cattle in three Irish abattoirs

Sponge samples were taken from the carcases, meat, personnel and surfaces involved in stunning, slaughter and dressing/boning activities at three abattoirs, and from retail beef products. The samples were examined for the presence of central nervous system (CNS)-specific proteins (syntaxin 1B and/or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as indicators of contamination with CNS tissue. Syntaxin 1B and GFAP were detected in many of the sponge samples taken along the slaughter line and in the chill rooms of all three abattoirs; GFAP was also detected in one sample of longissimus muscle (striploin) taken in the boning hall of one of the abattoirs but not in the other two abattoirs or in retail meats.     

Serogroups of Campylobacter jejuni from man and animals

A total of 186 campylobacter strains from aborted calf and sheep fetuses, from scouring dogs, rabbits and man, and from retailed poultry were isolated and examined biochemically and serologically for heat stable antigens. Immune sera were produced in rabbits against Penner reference strains from 1 to 60, and against two field isolates. Out of 186 biochemically tested strains 179 (96.2%) proved C. jejuni and only 6 (3.2%) C. coli. One strain has been identified as C. laridis. In cattle and sheep 3.2 and 21.7% respectively of all campylobacter abortions were due to C. jejuni infection. The same agent caused 12.7% of diarrhoea of dogs. The campylobacter infection rate of freshly slaughtered and dressed chicken varied between 25 and 64.3%. Out of the serologically examined 140 C. jejuni strains 118 (84.3%) could be assigned to 16 Penner serogroups and 13 (9.3%) to 2 further serogroups. Serogroups 8 (31.4%), 1 (19.3%) and 2 (12.1%) occurred most frequently. The human isolates represented the widest serotype distribution, as 32 tested strains belonged to 12 serogroups. All those serogroups which caused abortion or diarrhoea in animals or were isolated from poultry carcases were isolated also from man with diarrhoea, but some serogroups were found only in man.     

Microbial cross-contamination by airborne dispersion and contagion during defeathering of poultry

1. A readily identifiable strain of Escherichia coli K12 was used as a 'marker' organism to determine the sources, routes and patterns of microbial cross-contamination during mechanical defeathering of broiler chicken carcases. 2. Inoculation of scald water with the marker organism led to a relatively even pattern of carcase contamination during subsequent defeathering. Microbial cross-contamination was greater by this route of inoculation than by either surface inoculation of a 'seeder' carcase or oral inoculation of a live bird one day before slaughter. 3. Dispersal of the marker organism was strongly influenced by the mechanical action of the defeathering machines. Forward transmission of the marker occurred by aerosol or large airborne droplets and particulates such as feathers. Moving carcases through the defeathering machines when these were non-operational clearly reduced backward transmission of the marker. 4. Although microbial dispersal was unaffected by increasing the spacing between individual carcases or installing a water curtain at the entry and exit of the defeathering machines, shielding of carcases with aluminium baffles reduced counts of the marker organism from contaminated carcases by > 90%. 5. The results imply that microbial cross-contamination of broiler chicken carcases during defeathering occurs mainly via the airborne route, which could be contained by physical means.     

High prevalence of multiple resistance to antibiotics in Salmonella serovars isolated from a poultry slaughterhouse in Spain

Salmonellosis is a major foodborne infection in Spain, and strains that are resistant to a great variety of antibiotics have become a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to determine the level of antibiotic resistance in 133 Salmonella isolates obtained from a poultry slaughterhouse in Zaragoza (NE Spain). Antimicrobial resistance testing was performed by disk diffusion method using 19 antibiotics. Results were interpreted following the NCCLS criteria. Overall, the highest percentage of resistance was found to the following antimicrobial agents: sulfadiazine (96.2%), neomycin (53.4%), tetracycline (21.8%), and streptomycin (11.3%). All isolates were found to be resistant to one or more of the antibiotics tested. Multiple resistance was observed in 87 strains (65.4%). We found 23 different patterns of resistance in Salmonella Enteritidis. Resistance to sulfadiazine was the most common single resistance. The most frequent patterns of multiresistant strains were neomycin+sulfadiazine and neomycin+tetracycline+sulfadiazine. S. 4,5,12:b: showed the highest percentages of resistance to the tested drugs, with five different resistance patterns found. Ampicillin+chloramphenicol+streptomycin+sulphonamides+tetracycline (ACSSuT) resistance pattern, commonly associated with S. Typhimurium DT 104, was not detected in strains of the same phage type from broilers. The appearance of substantial multiresistance in foodborne Salmonella isolates suggests the need for more prudent use of antibiotics by farmers, veterinarians, and physicians.     

Susceptibilities to antimicrobials and disinfectants in Salmonella isolates obtained from poultry and swine in Thailand

Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry (n=125) and swine (n=132) in Thailand were investigated for antibiotic resistance, susceptibility to disinfectants (benzalkonium chloride (BKC), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), zinc chloride and copper sulfate) and cyclohexane tolerance. Forty-two percent were of multiple resistance to antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of all antibiotics against isolates from swine were higher than that against the isolates from poultry. There were generally few variations in MICs to all disinfectants, indicating that the isolates had either no or only a limited degree of developed resistance to the disinfectants tested. Only 5 isolates (1.9%) were tolerant to cyclohexane. The proton-dependent efflux systems did not play a major role in the reduced susceptibility to BKC and CHX, since susceptibility was not restored when an efflux inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was present. Successive exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of BKC and CHX generated mutants resistant to BKC and CHX. A spontaneous BKC-resistant derivative expressed cross-resistance to antibiotics, chloramphenicol and erythromycin. The mechanism responsible for cross-resistance between BKC and antibiotics was not driven by the proton motif force (PMF).     

Comparative investigation of prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella between pasture and conventionally reared poultry

The objective of this study was to compare Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance between pasture and conventional poultry farms. We collected the first Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance data on pasture poultry farms. Fecal droppings were collected from 31 farms from Wisconsin (nine farms from each production type) and the Southeast (North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina; five conventional and 10 pasture poultry farms) in a 1-yr period. The specimens were cultured for Salmonella and tested for resistance to 12 antimicrobials. A univariate analysis was conducted to determine the significant differences in prevalence and resistance. At the farm level, no significant difference in Salmonella prevalence was found on 33% pasture and 47% conventional poultry farms (P= 0.4928). On an individual specimen level, flocks reared conventionally had higher prevalence than in pasture (P < 0.0001). Of all the isolates found to have resistance, 80% were from the Southeast. Of all the pasture isolates tested, 5% (8 of 162) were resistant to ceftriaxone, which is higher than previously reported from any production setting. None of the isolates from conventional flocks showed resistance to ceftriaxone. Multidrug resistance (resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials) was found in 69% of the isolates from conventional farms and 11% on pasture farms in the Southeast (P < 0.0001), with the predominant resistance type of AmCSSuTeAx (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfasoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; 62%). About 5% of the pasture isolates from the Southeast showed the AmAxCFCRO (ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cephalothin, ceftriaxone) multidrug resistance pattern. None of the isolates from Wisconsin were found to be multidrug resistant.