Farm-level surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance in turkey flocks in Ontario, a pilot project

Turkey is the 4th most commonly consumed meat in Canada. While chickens have been extensively investigated for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU), less is known about the prevalence of AMR organisms and AMU in Canadian turkeys. Retail level sampling data suggest that turkey meat is also contaminated with AMR bacteria Turkey is the 4th most commonly consumed meat in Canada. While chickens have been extensively investigated for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU), less is known about the prevalence of AMR organisms and AMU in Canadian turkeys. Retail level sampling data suggest that turkey meat is also contaminated with AMR bacteria that have AMR profiles distinct from those isolated from chicken, demonstrating that chicken AMR cannot be extrapolated for from chickens to turkeys. In this project we aim to determine the farm-level prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter; characterize the the AMR genes; and collect AMU data and other farm-level risk factors that are important in understanding the ecology of AMR in turkeys. The project will utilize existing framework (veterinarian-collected samples/data) and sampling methodologies developed through the farm components of CIPARS/FoodNet Canada, in collaboration with commodity-specific working groups. This project aligns with the federal/provincial/territorial pathogen reduction initiatives