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Minimising transport duration and thoroughly cleaning vehicles, equipment and spaces where animals are loaded and unloaded are some of the measures considered effective in reducing the transmission of resistant bacteria during animal transport.
These are the findings of EFSA’s scientific opinion assessing the risk of spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among poultry, pigs and cattle during transport between farms or to slaughterhouses.
The opinion also highlights that appropriate transport organisation is key. In addition, any measure improving animal health, welfare and biosecurity immediately before and during transport is very likely to reduce the risk of AMR transmission.
Main risk factors
The assessment identifies the presence of resistant bacteria in animals before transport as one of the main risk factors contributing to the transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Other risk factors that almost certainly contribute to transmission include increased release of resistant bacteria through faeces, exposure to other animals carrying more or different types of resistant bacteria, insufficient hygiene of vehicles and equipment, and the duration of transport.
Long journeys that require rests in assembly centres and control posts are associated with higher risks, due to specific factors such as close contacts with animals from different farms, environmental contamination and stress.
October 25, 2022/ EFSA/ European Union.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu
