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Novel sequence types and low levels of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep flocks across Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2024

Keith T. Ballingall Open the ORCID record for Keith T. Ballingall [Opens in a new window] ,
Riccardo Tassi ,
Jane Gordon ,
Carol Currie ,
Kath Dun ,
Nigel Miller  and
Nuno Silva
Keith T. Ballingall*
Affiliation:
Department of Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute (MRI), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
Riccardo Tassi
Affiliation:
Department of Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute (MRI), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
Jane Gordon
Affiliation:
Department of Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute (MRI), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
Carol Currie
Affiliation:
Department of Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute (MRI), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
Kath Dun
Affiliation:
Galedin Veterinary, The Knowes, Kelso, Scottish Borders, UK
Nigel Miller
Affiliation:
Livestock Health Scotland (LHS), NFU Scotland, Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, Newbridge, Edinburgh, UK
Nuno Silva
Affiliation:
Department of Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute (MRI), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
*
Corresponding author: Keith T. Ballingall; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

This research paper aimed to demonstrate that mammary secretions provided by sheep farmers across Scotland from cases of clinical mastitis are free from environmental contamination, as well as to provide information on the major bacterial causes of disease and levels of antimicrobial resistance. Mastitis represents one of most significant diseases of small ruminant production worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus, Mannheimia haemolytica, Streptococcus uberis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species are common pathogens isolated from cases of sheep mastitis. Sampling kits supplied to 23 farms provided 33 samples for bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genetic analysis. Of the bacterial isolates identified, 60% were S. aureus, 23% M. haemolytica and 7% coagulase-negative staphylococci. Low levels of antimicrobial resistance were identified in the S. aureus isolates which provided novel multi-locus sequence types. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept survey demonstrated that mammary secretions free from environmental contamination may be provided by sheep farmers. It also provided data on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep and will inform on the scale required for larger surveys aiming to improve current strategies for mastitis control in sheep flocks across the UK.

Keywords

AMRsheep mastitissurvey
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 91 , Issue 3 , August 2024 , pp. 305 - 310
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Hannah Dairy Research Foundation

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