Standardisation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods used for porcine pathogens

One of the key steps in controlling and managing bacterial infections in animals is by accurate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the disease-causing pathogens. Standardisation of these methods will allow for benchmarking of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the reduction of antimicrobial resistance in the pig industry. 

Value for producers:

• Better evaluation of the success of intervention strategies used by the pig industry to reduce antimicrobial resistance
• Standardised methods may allow for decreased test cost via the potential for automation, which also further increases consistency and accuracy, and the ability for bulk purchase of reagents across the diagnostic network.

Recommendations:

• All veterinary diagnostic laboratories that service the Australian pig industry adhere to the protocols recommended in this report for bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for obtaining consistent laboratory diagnoses and antimicrobial susceptibility data.
• For long term success there is a need for on-going dialogue and collaboration with both veterinarians and the veterinary diagnostic laboratories that service the pig industry.