Cattle

Resistance Monitoring in Cattle

Antibiotic resistance in Swiss cattle is monitored in accordance with EU regulations. Samples are taken in slaughterhouses in order to investigate the profile of the bacterial population in farms or retail outlets and to assess the potential risk of zoonoses. Depending on the monitoring system, the sampling strategy is based on the slaughtered population or on population density and meat sales. Samples are taken year-round in all Swiss cantons.

The data collected in cattle since 2006 show a mixed picture: resistance has increased significantly in some bacteria, but has remained stable or decreased in others.

Samples from slaughterhouses