Abstract

Quinolone resistance may emerge in gut bacteria (e.g., in Escherichia coli) of animals. Such bacteria could cause infections in the animal itself or be transmitted to humans via the food chain. Quinolone resistance is also observed in fecal E. coli of healthy dairy cattle, but the prevalence varies between farms, not solely as a result of varying degree of fluoroquinolone exposure. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for the fecal shedding of quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) from dairy calves and postpartum cows. Rectal swabs from 15 preweaned calves and 5 postpartum cows per farm were collected on 23 Swedish dairy farms to determine the prevalence of QREC. Risk factors for the shedding of QREC were investigated using multivariable statistical models. Quinolone-resistant E. coli were found on all but one farm. Factors associated with QREC shedding by calves were being younger than 18 d, being fed milk from cows treated with antimicrobials, recent use of fluoroquinolones in the herd, carriage of QREC by postpartum cows, and using the calving area never or rarely as a sick pen compared with often. Factors associated with QREC shedding by cows were calving in group pens or freestalls compared with single pens or tiestalls, purchasing cattle, sharing animal transports with other farmers, and poor farm hygiene. Proper biosecurity and improved hygiene, as well as minimizing fluoroquinolone exposure and waste milk feeding, may be important factors to reduce the burden of QREC on dairy farms.

Keywords

calf; postpartum cow; quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli; risk factor

Published in

Journal of Dairy Science
2015, Volume: 98, number: 9, pages: 6387-6398
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

SLU Authors

• Duse, Anna

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Persson Waller, Karin

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Emanuelson, Ulf

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

AMR: Bacteria


Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science
Medical Bioscience
Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9453

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/68485