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Imprint
Development of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococci from cattle by prophylactic use of Monensin in cows in the transition period
Project
Project code: BfR-BIOS-08-1322
Contract period: 01.03.2014
- 31.12.2014
Purpose of research: Applied research
In January 2013 Monensin was licensed by EU for prophylactic use in dairy cattle to prevent ketosis around parturition. Monensin is a ionophor with antimicrobial qualities. Until the ban of growth promoters in the EU in 2006 it was licensed for use in beef cattle for the purpose of growth promotion. There are reports indicating an increase in resistance of enterococci to macrolides associated with the use of monensin in feedlot cattle. Macrolides are prioritized critically important antimicrobials according to FAO, WHO and OiE. An increase in resistance to these substances therefore has to be considered as very relevant to public health. Currently, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute at Braunschweig is conducting research in collaboration with the Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, to further analyse the metabolic effects of monensin in dairy cattle. In this framework, faecal samples are repeatedly (6x) collected before and during treatment. This can be used for isolating enterococci. The isolates shall subsequently be tested for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the proposed project. AMR will be compared between cows treated with monensin, with “essential oils” and with untreated control cattle at the same stages of lactation. This question is highly relevant for the evaluation of the use of monensin under public health aspects.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
