β-Lactam resistance genes present in UK pheasants and red-legged partridges.

Background: Despite considerable recent reductions in antimicrobial use, the UK gamebird industry continues to struggle with production diseases during the rearing season, necessitating significant antibiotic use. This observational study investigated the presence of genes conferring resistance to β-lactam antibiotics within industry-reared pheasants and red-legged partridges in the UK.

Methods: DNA was extracted from 60 pooled caecal samples collected from gamebirds at routine postmortem examinations during the rearing season.