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Two-thirds of raw chicken positive for ESBL-producing E. coli
raw chicken
'...the ESBLs found did not include CTX-M-15, which is the predominant ESBL in E. coli causing disease in humans in the UK and worldwide.'
Researchers conclude E. coli type is not a major health risk
 
New research shows two-thirds of raw chicken samples (65.4 per cent) bought at retailers across the UK have tested positive for ESBL-producing E. coli.

Carried out by researchers from the APHA and Public Health England, it is the largest study of its kind in the UK, seeking cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant E. coli in retail meat.

Writing in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, authors report a much higher proportion of UK-labelled chicken meat containing ESBL-producing E. coli than previously thought.

CTX-M types are the most common ESBLs in E. coli from farm animals in Europe; they confer resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics and are therefore a public health concern.

Researchers collected 397 samples of raw meat (beef, pork and chicken) from five regions of the UK; East Anglia, London, North West England, Scotland and Wales. The samples were obtained from five leading supermarkets, as well as discount stores, convenience stores and local butchers. In addition, 400 samples of fruits and vegetables were bought.

The majority of meat samples (80.9 per cent) were labelled as coming from Britain, though this could mean the animals were reared elsewhere and the meat packaged in Britain.

In total, 27.5 per cent of meat samples tested positive for ESBL-producing E. coli. Fewer chicken samples from Scotland and Wales tested positive (40.6 and 53.1 per cent respectively), compared with the three English regions (75-80.6 per cent). Overall, 85.6 per cent of ESBL-positive chicken samples were positive for CTX-M-1.

However, just two per cent of beef and pork, and no fruits and vegetables tested positive. In addition, no carbapenem-resistant E. coli was isolated from any of the samples.

Researchers say the data clearly show raw chicken is currently the most significant known food source of ESBL-producing E. coli, to which the UK population is frequently exposed. This situation could change and, therefore, requires surveillance.

However, they stress that the results relate to raw meat and thorough cooking will destroy any bacteria, regardless of whether it is antibiotic-resistant.

As such, they wrote: '… although raw chicken undoubtedly represents a source of ESBL-producing E. coli, it seems that this does not translate into a major public health problem in the UK; the ESBLs found did not include CTX-M-15, which is the predominant ESBL in E. coli causing disease in humans in the UK and worldwide.'

Commenting on the paper, a government spokesperson said: "This study by Public Health England concluded that this type of E. coli does not represent a major public health risk in the UK – a view supported by the Food Standards Agency…

"We take both food safety and antibiotic resistance very seriously. This is why we support the work of the FSA to make sure our food is safe, and why we are working with countries around the world to reduce antibiotic use in people and animals."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.