Genomic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria from Beef Cattle Feedlots.

Carbapenems are considered a last resort for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in feedlots in Alberta, Canada. The presumptive carbapenem-resistant isolates ( = 116) recovered after ertapenem enrichment were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 12 different antibiotics, including four carbapenems.

Biodegradation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions in compost.

To reduce the transmission risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions (PrP), specified risk materials (SRM) that can harbour PrP are prevented from entering the feed and food chains. As composting is one approach to disposing of SRM, we investigated the inactivation of PrP in lab-scale composters over 28 days and in bin composters over 106-120 days. Lab-scale composting was conducted using 45 kg of feedlot manure with and without chicken feathers.