FORT COLLINS, COLO. – The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new joint project to study antimicrobial use and resistance on commercial swine farms in the Midwest. 

APHIS will partner with several animal health and industry organizations for the study. Work will focus on use and resistance to animal health and production-related indicators. 

The farms participating in the study are clients of Pipestone Veterinary Services. Several years ago, Pipestone started collecting data on antimicrobial use. The company recently sampled antimicrobial resistance in selected pig and food safety-related pathogens. 

The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at South Dakota State University performs analysis and contributes expertise in bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the project. 

Following client approval, Pipestone will share collected anonymous data with APHIS for more analysis and interpretation in the context of factors related to management and disease pressure. The agency looks to provide the initial results and analysis during 2022.

APHIS said funding for the project is being provided by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research’s International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture and the National Pork Board, in addition to APHIS and Pipestone.