Reference | Hershberger2005 (10209)

We prospectively studied enterococci from animal farms in three mid-western states in the United States (Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana) over a 6 year period to evaluate the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and the potential relation of resistance to antimicrobial use. We prospectively evaluated faecal samples from animals from 18 beef cattle, 18 dairy cattle, 18 swine, 13 chicken and eight turkey farms in Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana from 1998 to 2003. A random sample of various sizes and location of cattle, poultry and swine farms was selected.Farms ranged in size from 60 to 3000 cattle and swine and up to 30 000 turkeys and 200 000 to 400 000 chickens per year, and included three organic dairy farms. The identity of the farms was anonymous to the investigators during the laboratory analysis of samples. A questionnaire was used to collect information from the farmers regarding usual use of antibiotics in the animals within the year before collection of specimens.

Faecal samples were collected by faecal extraction for adult cattle and swine, by rectal swab for calves and piglets, and by a drag sample for each turkey and chicken pen. Drag samples were collected by fastening sterile booties soaked in sterile water to the end of a string, and dragging the swabs through the turkey or chicken pen. All samples (338 from chicken, 487 from swine, 212 from beef, 13 from chicken, and eight from turkey farms) were immediately placed on ice and kept at refrigerator temperature during transport.

AST Method: Broth Microdilution

Reference explicitly reports AST breakpoints: True

Reference reports using a MIC table: False