Antimicrobial resistance in enteric commensals and pathogens in Australian meat

Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global public health threat. Antimicrobial stewardship (programs aimed at curbing the emergence and spread of resistance in animals and humans) underpins both national and international responses. Surveillance plays a critical role in identifying emerging issues and guiding stewardship strategies. The OIE recommends poultry AMR surveys every five years; Australia last surveyed meat chickens in 2021. This follow-up study will reassess resistance to key antimicrobials in Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and Campylobacter isolated from the caecal contents of slaughtered birds, with results reported at the national level.

Led by Aquila Scientific (at Murdoch University), the project will employ high-throughput robotics for isolation and MIC testing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing. All Campylobacter, Salmonella, and multi-drug-resistant E. coli/Enterococci isolates will undergo whole-genome sequencing, with a subset receiving long-read sequencing to resolve plasmids, resistance genes, and virulence factors.

The study will generate national AMR data and deliver flock-level feedback to support Australia’s low-AMR status in poultry. Comparative genomic analysis will map AMR transmission pathways, including poultry-to-human and reverse-zoonosis risks.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

Abraham Scientific trading as Aquilascientific

Objective Summary

Project objectives include:

The surveillance of AMR in Meat Chickens
Genomic Characterisation