Wastewater and environmental sampling holds potential for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in food-producing animals: a pilot study in South African abattoirs

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue causing increased mortality and financial burden. Animal production contributes to AMR, with over half of antimicrobials used in food-producing animals. This pilot study explores the potential of wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) in AMR surveillance and its extension to the veterinary field. Samples from six South African abattoirs were tested for ESBL and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, MRSA, VRE, and Candida auris. The study identified 37 species, with E. coli and K. pneumoniae being the most abundant. Genomic analyses revealed multiple sequence types of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, including STs associated with food-producing animals.