Prevalence of antibiotic resistant pathogens in feral hogs of Texas

Abstract

Fecal samples from feral hogs were collected (n=36) from four locations in Texas including Runnels, Haskell, Crane, and Sutton counties. Samples were analyzed for Escherichia coli populations, Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. prevalence, and bacterial isolates were collected. Commercial microbroth dilution plates were used to establish antibiotic resistant profiles on the isolates. Non‐type specific E. coli was found in 91.7% of total samples (n=36) with isolates exhibiting the most common resistance (n=132 isolates) to Sulfisoxazole (46.2%), Tetracycline (2.2%), and Nalicixic acid (2.5%). Salmonella spp. was found in 27.7% of total samples with isolates (n=37) showing the most common resistance to Sulfisoxazole (29.7%) and Cefoxitin (2.7%). Listeria spp. was found in 22.2% of total samples with isolates (n=29) exhibiting the most common resistance to Lincomycin (89.6%), Daptomycin (68.9%), and Streptomycin (44.8%). This study provides evidence that feral hogs do harbor resistant pathogens that could be foodborne given the right opportunity. iv