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Published on: July 3, 2014
Antimicrobial Resistance in Isolates from Cattle with Bovine Respiratory Disease in Bavaria, Germany
Alexander Melchner1, Sarah van de Berg1, Nelly Scuda1
1Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
Abstract:
Patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) regarding Pasteurella multocida (n = 345), Mannheimia haemolytica (n = 273), Truperella pyogenes (n = 119), and Bibersteinia trehalosi (n = 17) isolated from calves, cattle and dairy cows with putative bovine respiratory disease syndrome were determined. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal trends in AMR and the influence of epidemiological parameters for the geographic origin in Bavaria, Germany, between July 2015 and June 2020. Spectinomycin was the only antimicrobial agent with a significant decrease regarding not susceptible isolates within the study period (P. multocida 88.89% to 67.82%, M. haemolytica 90.24% to 68.00%). Regarding P. multocida, significant increasing rates of not susceptible isolates were found for the antimicrobials tulathromycin (5.56% to 26.44%) and tetracycline (18.52% to 57.47%). The proportions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. multocida isolates (n = 48) increased significantly from 3.70% to 22.90%. The proportions of MDR M. haemolytica and P. multocida isolates (n = 62) were significantly higher in fattening farms (14.92%) compared to dairy farms (3.29%) and also significantly higher on farms with more than 300 animals (19.49%) compared to farms with 100 animals or less (6.92%). The data underline the importance of the epidemiological farm characteristics, here farm type and herd size regarding the investigation of AMR.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bovine respiratory disease pathogens shows concerning trends. Multidrug-resistant Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica increased, particularly on large fattening farms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant concern in cattle farming.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat to effective BRD treatment.
- Understanding AMR trends and influencing factors is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine temporal trends in AMR for key BRD pathogens in Bavaria, Germany.
- To investigate the influence of epidemiological parameters, such as farm type and size, on AMR patterns.
- To assess changes in susceptibility to specific antimicrobial agents over a five-year period.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens (Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Truperella pyogenes, Bibersteinia trehalosi) from BRD-affected cattle.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed on bacterial isolates.
- Statistical analysis was used to evaluate temporal trends and the impact of epidemiological factors (farm type, herd size).
Main Results:
- Spectinomycin showed a significant decrease in non-susceptible isolates for P. multocida and M. haemolytica.
- Tulathromycin and tetracycline resistance significantly increased in P. multocida isolates.
- Proportions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. multocida and M. haemolytica were higher on fattening farms and larger herds.
Conclusions:
- AMR patterns for key BRD pathogens are changing, with increasing resistance to tulathromycin and tetracycline in P. multocida.
- Farm type (fattening vs. dairy) and herd size are significant epidemiological factors influencing MDR prevalence.
- Continuous monitoring of AMR and consideration of farm-specific characteristics are essential for effective antimicrobial stewardship in cattle.
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