Latest Results from Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance
The Public Health Agency of Canada has completed its most recent report on the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS). This program monitors trends in antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle, swine and broiler chickens, and in meat samples collected from retail stores, with a focus on three bacteria of interest: E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. Samples are also collected from healthy animals entering federally inspected abattoirs that process cattle (E. coli and Campylobacter), swine (E. coli and Salmonella), and chicken (E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella). All three bacteria are also examined in retail chicken, and only E. coli testing results are reported for retail beef and pork because Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria are so rare in these meats.
Results for the 2011 calendar year are now available. The most recent results are similar to those in previous CIPARS reports. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (an antimicrobial of very high importance in human health) was not found in any of the E. coli isolated from cattle or retail beef, and in less than 1% of the Campylobacter isolated from cattle. Levels of resistance to antimicrobials of very high importance in human health have been extremely low and stable since the CIPARS program was initiated over 10 years ago. To request a copy of the 2011 Antimicrobial Resistance Short Report, visit phac-aspc.gc.ca
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