In the global race against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a new study led by Zsombor Szoke from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Complex Systems and Microbiome-innovations Centre, University of Debrecen, has shed light on the dynamics of AMR in two major poultry types: broilers and ducks. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, offers a comprehensive analysis that could reshape our understanding and approach to AMR in intensive poultry production.
The study, spanning 15 months and 15 stocking periods, delved into the resistome of Ross 308 broilers and Cherry Valley ducks. By collecting and analyzing 96 pooled samples—50 from broiler farms and 46 from duck farms—the researchers identified a staggering 3,665 distinct AMR types. This extensive dataset revealed that while broilers and ducks share a significant portion of their AMR profiles, each host also harbors unique resistome signatures. “The diversity of AMR types declined across production phases, but the frequency of resistance markers increased significantly by the finisher phase,” Szoke noted, highlighting a critical finding that could influence future management strategies.
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is its exploration of the impact of prophylactic antibiotic use. The findings suggest that strategic antibiotic use can significantly reduce the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in both poultry species. This is a game-changer for the industry, as it opens the door to more targeted and sustainable antibiotic use practices. “Our in silico data showed that prophylactic antibiotic use significantly reduced the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria,” Szoke emphasized. “This could lead to more effective and responsible antibiotic stewardship in poultry production.”
The study also uncovered intriguing differences in the AMR profiles of broilers and ducks. Broilers exhibited higher abundances of key resistance genes, with tetracycline and phenicol resistances emerging as the most prevalent. “Tetracycline resistance was predominantly associated with Bacteroides coprosuis, Pasteurella multocida, and Acinetobacter baumannii,” Szoke explained. These findings could guide the development of targeted interventions and biomarkers for monitoring AMR in poultry farms.
The research also identified 13 high-resistance carrier (HRC) species shared between broilers and ducks, with broiler-specific HRCs exhibiting significantly higher abundances. This discovery could have profound implications for the poultry industry, as it suggests that broilers may serve as a more significant reservoir for AMR. The grower phase was identified as a critical intervention point, offering a window of opportunity for implementing strategies to mitigate AMR.
The study also identified 15 broiler-specific and 9 duck-specific biomarker species in farm environments, each strongly correlated with poultry-core HRCs. This could pave the way for the development of more precise and effective monitoring tools for AMR in intensive poultry production.
The implications of this research are vast, particularly for the poultry industry and the broader agricultural sector. As AMR continues to pose a significant threat to global health, understanding its dynamics in different poultry species is crucial for developing targeted and sustainable management strategies. The findings could help shape future developments in the field, guiding the design of more effective interventions and biomarkers for monitoring AMR.
This study provides a crucial step forward in our understanding of AMR in intensive poultry production. As the research continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see how these insights translate into practical applications, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable global food system.