FDA CV VET-LRN VET DIAGNOSTIC LAB PROGRAM

RESEARCH SUMMARYAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella has become a serious public health issue asevidenced by the frequent occurrence of multidrug resistant Salmonella outbreaks. Thetransmission of Salmonella occurs mainly through the consumption of contaminated foods andwater as well as the contact with infected animals. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories routinelyisolate Salmonella from diseased animals which are exposed to antibiotics for various reasons.Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of these Salmonella isolates will enable theidentification and tracking of genetic determinants of AMR associated with the use of veterinarydrugs in different animal species. The aim of the proposed research is to complete WGS analysisof Salmonella enterica serovars isolated by the University of Missouri Veterinary MedicalDiagnostic Laboratory (MU VMDL). The long-term goal of our research is to identify the trendand mechanisms of AMR uniquely associated with specific serovars and veterinary drugs. Theobjective of the proposed study is to enhance MU VMDL?s WGS capability and capacity formore effective support of the FDA Vet-LIRN mission of protecting human and animal health bytesting of samples associated with outbreaks and surveillance of Salmonella AMR. The proposedresearch is significant because it supports the FDA surveillance efforts and builds WGScapability and capacity in MU VMDL, a Tier 1 FDA Vet-LRN lab. The proposed research alsocompletes other on-going surveillance programs that focus either on Salmonella isolated fromretail products or AMR phenotype of veterinary isolates.