Zoonotic bacteria can be transmitted between animals and humans and they can cause symptoms in both. The most commonly known zoonotic bacteria are salmonella and campylobacter. However, zoonotic bacteria do not always cause symptoms in animals (e.g. campylobacter in poultry or pigs). Zoonotic bacteria can also develop resistance towards antibiotics for example as a result of antibiotic treatment, as well as spread resistance factors from one bacterium to another. Humans may get infected from animals, food products, the environment or water. The transmission of zoonotic antibiotic resistant bacteria from animals to humans can significantly hinder antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases in people.
Current in the monitoring of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic bacteria
- In Finland, the FINRES-Vet program monitored the presence of resistant bacteria in pigs and in pork and beef in 2021. In 2022, the presence of resistant bacteria will be monitored in slaughtered broilers and in broiler and turkey meat. In 2021, the monitoring of resistant bacteria was extended to meat imported from third countries due to the new EU implementing decision. However, this monitoring is only limited in Finland, as meat from third countries is imported directly into Finland only to a small extend.
- In 2022, the resistance of Campylobacter in slaughtered broilers as well as the presence of ESBL bacteria in imported poultry flocks will continue to be monitored.
- As in previous years, the resistance of salmonella bacteria from Finnish food-producing animals will continue to be monitored in 2022 on the basis of the findings of the national salmonella control program.