Risk factors for occurrence of cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli in Norwegian broiler flocks

- Risk factors for cephalosporin resistance in broiler flocks were identified.
- The highest risk was associated with previous broiler flock being positive.
- More than two parent flocks supplying the broiler flock increased the risk.
- Other risk factors were associated with shortcomings in the biosecurity.

A longitudinal study of 27 broiler farms including 182 broiler flocks was performed to determine risk factors for occurrence of cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli in Norwegian broiler flocks. Information regarding possible risk factors was collected by an online questionnaire and by samples obtained from broiler and parent flocks during the study period. Additional information was provided by the broiler production company. The prevalence of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in parent flocks and broiler flocks sampled in the study was estimated.Cephalosporin-resistant E. coli was detected in 13.8% of the parent flocks and 22.5% of the broiler flocks included in the study.A multivariable generalized linear model was used to estimate risk factors. The risk for occurrence of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli was associated with the status of the previous flock in the broiler house (odds ratio = 12.7), number of parent flocks supplying the broiler flock with day-old chickens (odds ratio = 6.3), routines for disinfection of floor between production cycles (odds ratio = 0.1), and transport personnel entering the room where the broilers are raised (odds ratio = 9.3).Our findings highlights that implementation of a high level of biosecurity with a minimal number of people entering the broiler house during production cycles, as well as rigorous cleaning and disinfection routines between production cycles will contribute to a decrease in the occurrence of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in broiler flocks provided that there is no selection pressure from antimicrobial use in the broiler production.