Usage of antimicrobials and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria from mink

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Animal Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial use in mink farming is widespread.
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to animal and potentially human health.
• Data on AMR in Danish mink populations is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate antimicrobial usage patterns in mink.
• To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in key bacterial pathogens affecting mink.
• To provide a basis for recommendations on prudent antimicrobial use in mink farming.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of bacterial isolates from Danish mink.
• Identification and characterization of key pathogens including Staphylococcus intermedius, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and haemolytic streptococci.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on bacterial isolates.

Main Results:

• High resistance rates were observed in Staphylococcus intermedius for tetracyclines (54.7%), penicillin (21.7%), lincosamides (20.4%), macrolides (19.1%), and spectinomycin (18.5%).
• Escherichia coli showed high resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphonamides, and tetracyclines.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited resistance to most tested antimicrobials, except gentamicin, colistin, and enrofloxacin. All Pasteurella multocida and haemolytic streptococci were sensitive to penicillin.
• Antimicrobial use increased from 2001-2006, with extended spectrum penicillins being the most prescribed.

Conclusions:

• Significant antimicrobial resistance exists among important bacterial pathogens in Danish mink.
• Specific antimicrobials show high resistance rates in key pathogens like S. intermedius and E. coli.
• The findings underscore the need for updated guidelines and prudent antimicrobial stewardship in mink farming to combat AMR.