Antimicrobial resistance reservoirs in salmon and broiler processing environments, sidestreams, and waste discharges

This study investigates the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and bacteria in salmon and broiler sidestream materials, waste discharges, and processing environments. A hybrid capture-based sequencing approach revealed a diverse range of AMR genes, including high-risk genes like TolC and mdtE. The highest numbers of AMR genes were found in process wastewater and sludge. Over 300 bacterial isolates were collected and identified, with antibiotic resistance among Enterococcus and Pseudomonas spp. low. The study highlights that wastewater from food industries can contribute to the release of AMR bacteria and genes to the environment.