Beef Cow-calf Vaccine Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Project: Summary report on producer, veterinarian, and working group surveys regarding vaccine usage and recommendations.

Objective: The overall aim of this project was to create educational materials to support beef veterinarians and cow-calf producers in maximizing appropriate uptake of vaccine use in western Canada. The specific objective of the surveys reported here was to document current vaccine use by producers and vaccination recommendations by veterinarians and other industry stakeholders. Population: Cow-calf producers and veterinarians involved in the western Canadian beef cow-calf sector. Results: Surveys of western Canadian cow-calf producers and veterinarians were conducted in the fall of 2021 regarding current vaccine usage and recommendations, respectively. Uptake of beef cow-calf vaccines deemed "core" vaccines by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) varied across cow-calf producers, and recommendations varied across veterinarians responding to the survey. Thirty members of the project working group, consisting of cow-calf producers, veterinarians, academics, and vaccine manufacturers, were also surveyed regarding vaccine recommendations. The recommendations of the working group aligned with AABP recommendations for core and risk-based vaccines. Conclusions: Uptake of core beef vaccines was not complete across the producers surveyed. Therefore, education of beef cow-calf producers regarding the importance of core vaccines is required. Clinical relevance: Findings from these surveys will guide creation of educational materials to promote the use of appropriate beef cow-calf vaccines.

Projet d'application et de transfert des connaissances sur les vaccins (KTT) du Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) : rapport sommaire sur les sondages auprès des producteurs, des vétérinaires et des groupes de travail concernant l'utilisation des vaccins et les recommandations. Objectif: L'objectif général de ce projet était de créer du matériel éducatif pour aider les vétérinaires de bovins de boucherie et les éleveurs de vaches-veaux à maximiser l'adoption appropriée de l'utilisation des vaccins dans l'Ouest canadien. L'objectif spécifique des enquêtes rapportées ici était de documenter l'utilisation actuelle des vaccins par les producteurs et les recommandations de vaccination par les vétérinaires et d'autres intervenants de l'industrie. Population: Éleveurs de vaches-veaux et vétérinaires impliqués dans le secteur des vaches-veaux de boucherie de l'Ouest canadien. Résultats: Des sondages auprès des éleveurs de vaches-veaux et des vétérinaires de l'Ouest canadien ont été menés à l'automne 2021 concernant l'utilisation actuelle des vaccins et les recommandations, respectivement. L'adoption des vaccins pour vaches-veaux de boucherie considérés comme des vaccins « de base ¼ par l'American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) variait selon les producteurs de vaches-veaux, et les recommandations variaient selon les vétérinaires répondant à l'enquête. Trente membres du groupe de travail du projet, composé de producteurs de vaches-veaux, de vétérinaires, d'universitaires et de fabricants de vaccins, ont également été interrogés sur les recommandations en matière de vaccins. Les recommandations du groupe de travail sont alignées sur les recommandations de l'AABP pour les vaccins de base et basés sur les risques. Conclusion: L'adoption des vaccins de base pour le bœuf n'était pas complète parmi les producteurs interrogés. Par conséquent, l'éducation des producteurs de vaches-veaux de boucherie concernant l'importance des vaccins de base est nécessaire. Pertinence clinique: Les résultats de ces enquêtes guideront la création de matériel pédagogique pour promouvoir l'utilisation de vaccins appropriés dans les élevages vaches-veaux de boucherie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria Related to Bovine Respiratory Disease-A Broad Cross-Sectional Study of Beef Cattle at Entry Into Canadian Feedlots.

A broad, cross-sectional study of beef cattle at entry into Canadian feedlots investigated the prevalence and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis, bacterial members of the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Upon feedlot arrival and before antimicrobials were administered at the feedlot, deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 2,824 feedlot cattle in southern and central Alberta, Canada. Data on the date of feedlot arrival, cattle type (beef, dairy), sex (heifer, bull, steer), weight (kg), age class (calf, yearling), source (ranch direct, auction barn, backgrounding operations), risk of developing BRD (high, low), and weather conditions at arrival (temperature, precipitation, and estimated wind speed) were obtained. Mannheimia haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni isolates with multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles associated with the presence of integrative and conjugative elements were isolated more often from dairy-type than from beef-type cattle. Our results showed that beef-type cattle from backgrounding operations presented higher odds of AMR bacteria as compared to auction-derived calves. Oxytetracycline resistance was the most frequently observed resistance across all Pasteurellaceae species and cattle types. Mycoplasma bovis exhibited high macrolide minimum inhibitory concentrations in both cattle types. Whether these MDR isolates establish and persist within the feedlot environment, requires further evaluation.

Cattle Immunized with a Recombinant Subunit Vaccine Formulation Exhibits a Trend towards Protection against Histophilus somni Bacterial Challenge.

Histophilosis, a mucosal and septicemic infection of cattle is caused by the Gram negative pathogen Histophilus somni (H. somni). As existing vaccines against H. somni infection have shown to be of limited efficacy, we used a reverse vaccinology approach to identify new vaccine candidates. Three groups (B, C, D) of cattle were immunized with subunit vaccines and a control group (group A) was vaccinated with adjuvant alone. All four groups were challenged with H. somni. The results demonstrate that there was no significant difference in clinical signs, joint lesions, weight change or rectal temperature between any of the vaccinated groups (B,C,D) vs the control group A. However, the trend to protection was greatest for group C vaccinates. The group C vaccine was a pool of six recombinant proteins. Serum antibody responses determined using ELISA showed significantly higher titers for group C, with P values ranging from < 0.0148 to < 0.0002, than group A. Even though serum antibody titers in group B (5 out of 6 antigens) and group D were significantly higher compared to group A, they exerted less of a trend towards protection. In conclusion, the vaccine used in group C exhibits a trend towards protective immunity in cattle and would be a good candidate for further analysis to determine which proteins were responsible for the trend towards protection.

Reverse vaccinology as an approach for developing Histophilus somni vaccine candidates.

Histophilosis of cattle is caused by the Gram negative bacterial pathogen Histophilus somni (H. somni) which is also associated with the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Existing vaccines for H. somni include either killed cells or bacteria-free outer membrane proteins from the organism which have proven to be moderately successful. In this study, reverse vaccinology was used to predict potential H. somni vaccine candidates from genome sequences. In turn, these may protect animals against new strains circulating in the field. Whole genome sequencing of six recent clinical H. somni isolates was performed using an Illumina MiSeq and compared to six genomes from the 1980's. De novo assembly of crude whole genomes was completed using Geneious 6.1.7. Protein coding regions was predicted using Glimmer3. Scores from multiple web-based programs were utilized to evaluate the antigenicity of these predicted proteins which were finally ranked based on their surface exposure scores. A single new strain was selected for future vaccine development based on conservation of the protein candidates among all 12 isolates. A positive signal with convalescent serum for these antigens in western blots indicates in vivo recognition. In order to test the protective capacity of these antigens bovine animal trials are ongoing.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine Histophilus somni genome; a comparison of new and old isolates.

Histophilus somni, a causative agent of the bovine respiratory disease complex, can also cause a variety of systemic disorders, including bronchopneumonia, myocarditis, pericarditis, arthritis, pleuritis, and infectious thrombotic meningoencephalitis. The purpose of this study was to determine if currently circulating strains differ from those of the 1980s by identifying genomic changes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion and deletion (INDEL) sites were examined by whole-genome sequencing in 12 samples, 6 old and 6 new. The 31 028 SNP/INDELs recorded were compared against the reference genome sequence of the pathogenic H. somni strain 2336. The distribution of about 75% of these SNPs within a specified gene differed between old and new isolates and did not follow any particular pattern. The other 25% clustered into 2 groups containing the same SNPs in various genes: group I included 5 old isolates and 1 new isolate; group II included 5 new isolates and 1 old isolate. For putative virulence genes there were more SNPs in group I compared with strain 2336, itself an older isolate, than in group II. Although only 25% of all the SNPs formed 2 clusters, the results suggest some genetic difference in various genes between old and new strains.

Histophilus somni est l'un des agents majeurs du complexe respiratoire bovin (CRB), qui peut aussi causer diverses pathologies dont de la bronchopneumonie, myocardite, péricardite, arthrite, pleurésie et de la méningo-encéphalite thrombotique. L'objectif général de l'étude était de comparer les souches actuellement en circulation avec les souches isolées dans les années 80. Plus spécifiquement les changements génétiques survenus entre des isolats récents et des isolats collectés il y a une trentaine d'années ont été analysés. Les polymorphismes d'un seul nucléotide (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP) ont été examinés en utilisant une approche de séquençage global de tout le génome pour 12 échantillons, six anciens et six nouveaux. Un total de 31 028 SNPs a été identifié et une analyse comparative de ces SNPs avec la séquence génomique de référence de la souche pathogène 2336 de H. somni a été effectuée. La distribution génique d'environ 75 % de ces SNPs entre les souches anciennes et récentes est différente et ne suit pas de tendance particulière. Toutefois, 25 % des SNPs se répartissent rapidement en deux groupes distincts. Le groupe I inclut cinq isolats anciens et un récent alors que le groupe II comprend cinq isolats récents et un isolat ancien qui se regroupent ensemble pour de mêmes SNPs dans plusieurs gènes. La présence des SNPs dans des gènes potentiellement liés à la virulence est plus manifeste dans le groupe I, comparé à l'ancien isolat 2336, que dans le groupe II. Bien que seulement 25 % des SNPs totaux se répartissent en deux groupes, les résultats suggèrent des variations génétiques significatives entre souches anciennes et récentes dans les séquences de nombreux gènes.(Traduit par Docteur François Meurens).

Drug residues recovered in feed after various feedlot mixer truck cleanout procedures.

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of two methods of equipment cleanout, sequencing or flushing, for reducing drug carryover in feedlot mixer trucks. Feed samples were collected from total mixed rations before and after various feed mixer equipment cleanout procedures. Medicated rations contained either 11 ppm of tylosin or 166 or 331 ppm of chlortetracycline. There were no differences between sequencing and flushing or between flushing with dry barley and flushing with barley silage in the median proportion of drug recovered in the next ration. A larger drug reduction was achieved using flush material at a volume of 10 versus 5% of the mixer capacity and mixing the flush material for 3 versus 4 min. Regardless of the drug or prescription concentrations in the total mixed rations or the equipment cleanout procedure used, concentrations of chlortetracycline and tylosin recovered were very low.

Antimicrobial drug use and antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacteria among cattle from Alberta feedlots.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, and Campylobacter) and non-type-specific E. coli obtained from fecal samples of feedlot cattle was associated with antimicrobial drug (AMD) use. A secondary objective was to determine if AMR in non-type-specific E. coli could be used as a predictor of AMR in foodborne pathogens. Fecal samples were collected from pen floors in 21 Alberta feedlots during March through December 2004, and resistance prevalence was estimated by season (Spring, Fall) and cattle type (fewest days-on-feed and closest to slaughter). AMD exposures were obtained by calculating therapeutic animal daily doses for each drug before sampling from feedlot records. Generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate the relationship between each AMR and AMD use. Non-type-specific E. coli was commonly recovered from fecal samples (88.62%), and the highest prevalence of resistance was found toward tetracycline (53%), streptomycin (28%), and sulfadiazine (48%). Campylobacter jejuni was recovered from 55.3% of the fecal samples, and resistance was generally less for the drugs that were evaluated (doxycycline 38.1%, ciprofloxacin 2.6%, nalidixic acid 1.64%, erythromycin 1.2%). E. coli O157 and Salmonella were recovered much less frequently (7% and 1% prevalence, respectively). The prevalence of recovery for the bacteria studied varied between seasons and cattle types, as did patterns of AMR. Among non-type-specific E. coli, resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfadiazine was found to be positively associated with in-feed exposure as well as injectable tetracycline, but these differences were relatively small and of questionable practical relevance. Among C. jejuni isolates, cattle type was significantly associated with doxycycline resistance. Results suggested that resistance in non-type-specific E. coli to chloramphenicol, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline might be used as predictors of resistance to these drugs in E. coli O157 recovered from the same fecal samples.

A comparison of florfenicol-flunixin meglumine versus tulathromycin for the treatment of undifferentiated fever in fall-placed feedlot calves.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a new combination drug, florfenicol-flunixin meglumine, with tulathromycin for initial treatment of undifferentiated fever (UF) in fall-placed calves that received metaphylactic tilmicosin on arrival at the feedlot. No significant differences were observed in UF relapses between the two drugs. Calves treated with florfenicol-flunixin had a lower crude case fatality rate (P = .0447) than calves treated with tulathromycin but did not have a significantly lower respiratory disease and histophilosis case fatality rate (P = .12). Whether the new florfenicol-flunixin product is more cost-effective than tulathromycin for the treatment of UF in fall-placed feedlot calves will depend on how the new product is priced in the marketplace relative to tulathromycin.

Occurrence of foodborne bacteria in Alberta feedlots.

The occurrence of generic Escherichia coli, E. coli O157, Salmonella, and Campylobacter in cattle manure, beef carcasses, catch basin water, and soils receiving manure application was determined in 21 Alberta feedlots. In cattle manure, generic E. coli (98%, 2069/2100) and Campylobacter (76%, 1590/2100) were frequently detected; E. coli O157 (7%, 143/2100) and Salmonella (1%, 20/2100) were less frequently detected. Samples from beef carcasses in the cooler following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point interventions yielded only 1 isolate each of generic E. coli and Campylobacter (1/1653) and no Salmonella (0/1653). Catch basin water specimens were positive for generic E. coli in both the spring (62%, 13/21) and the fall (52%, 11/21). Other bacteria were detected only in the spring water specimens, including E. coli O157 (29%, 6/21), Salmonella (5%, 1/21), and Campylobacter (52%, 11/21). Generic E. coli was frequently isolated from soil specimens (30%, 27/88), but E. coli O157 was not found in soil samples obtained in the spring and was only occasionally detected in the fall samples (9%, 3/32). Salmonella were occasionally found in the soil specimens collected in the spring (3%, 2/56), but not in the fall season (0/32). Campylobacter jejuni was frequent in cattle manure (66%, 1070/1623), but rare in carcass and environmental samples. E. coli O157 and Salmonella were rarely detected in cattle or the environment. Generic E. coli and Salmonella were rarely detected on carcasses.

Clinical efficacy of a single injection of ceftiofur crystalline free acid sterile injectable suspension versus three daily injections of ceftiofur sodium sterile powder for the treatment of footrot in feedlot cattle.

A study was conducted in a feedlot in Alberta, Canada, to compare the clinical efficacy of a single injection of ceftiofur crystalline free acid sterile injectable suspension with three daily treatments of ceftiofur sodium sterile powder for the treatment of footrot. Use of a long-acting antimicrobial to treat footrot would reduce labor costs and hospital pen space requirements during high-risk periods. Four hundred cattle clinically diagnosed with footrot were systematically randomized to one of two treatment groups. The treatment success rate at 14 days after treatment (99.5% for ceftiofur crystalline free acid sterile injectable suspension and 99.0% for ceftiofur sodium sterile powder for injection) was not statistically different (P>.05) between the two drugs.

Comparison of florfenicol and tulathromycin for the treatment of undifferentiated fever in Alberta feedlot calves.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of florfenicol versus tulathromycin for initial treatment of undifferentiated fever in fall-placed steer calves that received metaphylactic tilmicosin on arrival at the feedlot. No significant differences (P > .10) were observed in undifferentiated fever relapses or the crude case fatality rate. Calves treated with florfenicol had a lower case fatality rate (P = .04) for bovine respiratory disease and Histophilus disease than did calves treated with tulathromycin. The net economic advantage of florfenicol over tulathromycin (Can$17.70/treated animal) was based on differences in costs for the trial drug and calf replacement owing to bovine respiratory disease and Histophilus disease case fatality.

Comparative efficacy of tilmicosin versus tulathromycin as a metaphylactic antimicrobial in feedlot calves at moderate risk for respiratory disease.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of tilmicosin (MIC) versus tulathromycin (DRAX) as a metaphylactic antimicrobial in feedlot calves at moderate risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Calves that received DRAX had significantly (P < or = .05) lower initial BRD treatment rates compared with calves that received MIC. However, there were no significant differences in the BRD relapse rate, railer rate, total mortality rate, BRD mortality rate, average daily gain, and dry matter conversion between the two groups. The economic advantage of the MIC group was Can$8.29/animal. Based on these results, while DRAX was more efficacious in reducing initial treatments for BRD in feedlot calves at moderate risk for disease, MIC was more cost-effective. The lower initial BRD treatment costs in the DRAX group did not offset the higher metaphylactic cost of DRAX.

Presence of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in feces from feedlot cattle in Alberta and absence on corresponding beef carcasses.

The study objectives were to determine the prevalence and serotypes of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in pens of feedlot cattle and on corresponding beef carcasses. We collected 25 fecal samples from 84 pens in 21 Alberta feedlots and 40 carcass swabs from each preslaughter pen for analysis by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-O157 STEC were recovered from feces from 12 (14%) of the 84 pens and 12 (57%) of the 21 feedlots by examination of 1 E. coli isolate positive for 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-beta-glucuronide per sample. Twelve non-O157 serotypes were detected, but 7 of the 15 STEC isolates lacked the accessory virulence genes eae and hlyA. Although 115 (7%) of the carcass broths were PCR-positive, no STEC isolates were recovered from the 1650 carcasses sampled. Our data indicate that multiple non-O157 STEC serotypes may be present in cattle feces, yet are unlikely to be recovered from the corresponding beef carcasses when 20 colonies per sample from PCR-positive broth cultures are analyzed.

Prevalence of antibodies to serotypes of Bluetongue virus and Anaplasma marginale in Montana feeder cattle: 2002-2003.

In a serologic survey of Montana-source weaned calves and yearling cattle, the apparent prevalence of antibodies to Bluetongue virus was 0.68% and 1.26% in 2002 and 2003, respectively, and to Anaplasma marginale at a positive cutoff at 30% inhibition it was 1.82% and 1.35% in 2002 and 2003, and at a positive cutoff at 42% inhibition it was 0.76% and 0.55% in 2002 and 2003, respectively, suggesting that the risk of importing infected animals was very low.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 vaccine field trial in 9 feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

A feedlot trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 vaccine in reducing fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in 218 pens of feedlot cattle in 9 feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Pens of cattle were vaccinated once at arrival processing and again at reimplanting with either the E. coli O157:H7 vaccine or a placebo. The E. coli O157:H7 vaccine included 50 microg of type III secreted proteins. Fecal samples were collected from 30 fresh manure patties within each feedlot pen at arrival processing, revaccination at reimplanting, and within 2 wk of slaughter. The mean pen prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in feces was 5.0%; ranging in pens from 0% to 90%, and varying significantly (P < 0.001) among feedlots. There was no significant association (P > 0.20) between vaccination and pen prevalence of fecal E. coli O157:H7 following initial vaccination, at reimplanting, or prior to slaughter.

Characterization of a shiga toxin-, intimin-, and enterotoxin hemolysin-producing Escherichia coli ONT:H25 strain commonly isolated from healthy cattle.

Among bovine fecal and recto-anal mucosal swab samples cultured in our laboratory for Escherichia coli O157:H7, we frequently isolated E. coli organisms that were phenotypically similar to the O157:H7 serotype as non-sorbitol fermenting and negative for beta-glucuronidase activity but serotyped O nontypeable:H25 (ONT:H25). This study determined the prevalence and virulence properties of the E. coli ONT:H25 isolates. Among dairy and feedlot cattle (n = 170) sampled in Washington, Idaho, and Alberta, Canada, the percentage of animals culture positive for E. coli ONT:H25 ranged from 7.5% to 22.5%, compared to the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 that ranged from 0% to 15%. A longitudinal 8-month study of dairy heifers (n = 40) showed that 0 to 15% of the heifers were culture positive for E. coli O157:H7, while 15 to 22.5% of the animals were culture positive for E. coli ONT:H25. As determined by a multiplex PCR, the E. coli ONT:H25 isolates carried a combination of virulence genes characteristic of the enterohemorrhagic E. coli, including intimin, translocated intimin receptor, Stx2, and hemolysin (eae-beta, tir, stx(2vh-a), and hly). E. coli ONT:H25 isolates from diverse geographic locations and over time were fingerprinted by separating XbaI-restricted chromosomal DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) separation. Two strains of E. coli ONT:H25 were highly similar by PFGE pattern. Experimental inoculation of cattle showed that E. coli ONT:H25, like E. coli O157:H7, colonized the bovine recto-anal junction mucosa for more than 4 weeks following a single rectal application of bacteria.

Comparison of three oxytetracycline regimes for the treatment of persistent Anaplasma marginale infections in beef cattle.

Anaplasmosis, caused by the tick-borne rickettsia, Anaplasma marginale, is an economically important disease of cattle in the United States and worldwide. Cattle that recover from acute infection become carriers in which low or microscopically undetectable A. marginale rickettsemia persists. Tetracycline antimicrobials are currently the only drug used in the US for treatment of acute anaplasmosis. There are currently no drugs specifically licensed for elimination of persistent infections. This study tested the efficacy of three oxytetracycline treatment regimens to clear A. marginale from cattle that were persistently infected. Forty Angus x Simmental steers, aged 6-12 months were experimentally infected with A. marginale. After the steers recovered from acute infection, seroconverted, and were confirmed infected using nested PCR followed by DNA hybridization, the carrier status of each animal was ascertained by sub-inoculation of blood into a separate, splenectomized Holstein calf. The steers were then blocked by bodyweight and randomly assigned as follows to four treatment groups: Treatment A, 300 mg/ml solution of oxytetracycline (Tetradure LA-300, Merial Canada Inc.) administered at 30 mg/kg, by intramuscular (i.m.) injection on day 0; Treatment B, the same 300 mg/ml solution of oxytetracycline administered at 30 mg/kg, i.m. on day 0 and again on day 5; Treatment C, a 200 mg/ml solution of oxytetracycline (Liquamycin LA-200, Pfizer Animal Health) administered at 22 mg/kg, intravenously (i.v.), q 24 h for 5 days (a treatment dose that corresponds with current Office International des Epizooties (OIE) recommendations for treatment prior to export). The fourth group consisted of untreated infected control cattle. All steers were still nested PCR and cELISA positive at 60 days after treatment. Infection was confirmed by subinoculation of blood into a splenectomized Holstein calf. These results demonstrated that the treatment regimens tested failed to clear A. marginale infections in carrier cattle.

Prevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus and Anaplasma marginale in Montana yearling cattle entering Alberta feedlots: Fall 2001.

A serologic survey was conducted in yearling cattle imported into Alberta feedlots from Montana during October 2001 to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and Anaplasma marginale in Montana yearling cattle. The apparent prevalence of antibodies to BTV when the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used was 0.37% (21/5608). Test positive cELISA samples were also all positive when tested by virus neutralization (VN) and they reacted to 1 or more BTV serotypes, including 2, 10, 11, 13, and 17. The apparent prevalence of antibodies to A. marginale when a recombinant cELISA (rcELISA) was used with a positive cutoff at 30% inhibition was 1.93% (108/5608). When the rcELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 0.73% (41/5608). After the reported sensitivity and specificity of the test had been accounted for, the A. marginale antibody results were consistent with a population that was either free of exposure or had a very low prevalence for A. marginale.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of hazard analysis critical control point Escherichia coli isolates from federally inspected beef processing plants in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

A survey to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli was conducted in 7 Canadian federally inspected processing plants during 2001. Escherichia coli isolates were recovered during routine hazard analysis critical control point sampling from beef carcasses and trim and subsequently tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility by using susceptibility panels. Of the 2653 isolates analyzed, 68% were sensitive to all 18 antimicrobials tested. For 14 of the 18 antimicrobials evaluated, the percentage of resistant isolates was < or = 1. Twenty-five percent of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 9% to sulfamethoxazole, 7% to streptomycin, and 3% to ampicillin. Multiple resistance was found in 12% of the isolates, with 7% showing resistance to 2 antimicrobials, 2% to 3 antimicrobials, 2% to 4 antimicrobials, and 1% to 5 or more antimicrobials. Forty-five different antimicrobial resistance patterns were observed. The reasons for the development of the antimicrobial resistance were not investigated in this study. This study was useful as a pilot to help to develop a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program in Canada. This study indicates that laboratory standardization is possible for consistent results across the country and that the indicator organism, E. coli, is fairly easy to obtain for surveillance but Salmonella are not, due to their low prevalence in beef.

Salmonella spp. shedding by alberta beef cattle and the detection of Salmonella spp. in ground beef.

Breeder cows, cattle recently arrived at feedlots, and cattle about to be shipped for slaughter were tested for Salmonella spp. No Salmonella spp. were detected in fecal samples from breeding cows. Nineteen of 1,000 (1.9%) fecal samples from recently arrived feedlot cattle were positive for Salmonella spp. compared to only 2 of 1,000 (0.2%) fecal samples taken within 2 weeks of slaughter. The positive fecal samples were collected in 5 of 50 (10%) "recent arrival" pens tested and in 1 of 50 (2%) pens tested within 2 weeks of slaughter. The serotypes isolated were Salmonella Agona, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and Salmonella 4,5,12:i:-. Ground beef samples purchased from retail outlets throughout Alberta were processed for Salmonella spp. Thirteen of 1,002 (1.3%) samples were positive for Salmonella spp. The serotypes isolated from ground beef were Salmonella Anatum, Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Typhimurium var. Copenhagen, and Salmonella Rough-O:i:1,2. The antibiotic resistance and pulsed-field electrophoresis gel macrorestriction patterns of all isolates were compared.