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Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a growing public health threat. In 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules changes to limit medically important antimicrobial use in food-producing animals, combating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The effect of the VFD rule changes on the occurrence of bacteria resistant to medically-important antimicrobials in retail meats is yet to be investigated in the U.S. This study investigates whether the VFD rule changes affected the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia, and Campylobacter) in retail meats in the U.S. Multivariable mixed effect logistic regression models were used to analyze 2002-2019 retail meats surveillance data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) in the U.S. Variables included VFD rule changes, meat type, quarter of year, and raising claims. A potential association between these variables and the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia, and Campylobacter) in retail meats was estimated. Analysis included data regarding tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (n = 8,501), Escherichia (n = 20, 283), Campylobacter (n = 9,682), and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (n = 10,446) in retail meats. The odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Escherichia (OR = 0.60), Campylobacter (OR = 0.89), and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (OR = 0.43) in chicken breast significantly decreased after the VFD rule changes, compared to the pre-VFD rule change period. The odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (0.66), Escherichia (OR = 0.56), and Campylobacter (OR = 0.33) in ground turkey also significantly decreased. However, the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (OR = 1.49) in chicken breast and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (OR = 4.63) in ground turkey significantly increased. There was no significant change in the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella and Escherichia in ground beef or pork chops. The implementation of VFD rule changes had a beneficial effect by reducing the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria in chicken and ground turkey. Ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use could complement the implementation of stewardship such as VFD rule in food-producing animals in the U.S.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meniscal lesions and severity of osteoarthritis (OA) among dogs that underwent Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) at the University of Tennessee in 2011–2017. Results There were a total of 252 meniscal tears. Factors associated with diagnosis of medial meniscal tears (MMT) in dogs were severe OA in comparison to no OA (3.8 OR, 2.0–8.0 95% CI, 0.001 p-value), sporting and mixed breed group compared to other breed (3.6 OR, 1.7–7.6 95% CI, 0.004 p-value; 3.2 OR, 1.6–6.6 95% CI, 0.019 p-value, respectively), increasing age (1.1 OR, 1.0-1.2 95% CI, 0.018 p-value), complete CrCLR compared to partial (3.3 OR, 2.1-5.0 95% CI, < 0.001 p-value), and arthrotomy compared to arthroscopy (2.2 OR, 1.4–3.1 95% CI, 0.002 p-value). The factors that did not have significance in predicting MMT were weight, sex, lameness period, and side affected.

Small ruminants, including sheep and goats, play an important role in the economy of American agriculture. They are susceptible to a variety of diseases that impact animal welfare and production. This study evaluated postmortem data from two different diagnostic laboratories in the state of Tennessee to discern common causes of death of small ruminants that were brought in for necropsy between 2017 to 2021. Data were prepared for analysis by selecting the predominant conditions observed at postmortem examination and risk factors including sex, age, season, and region were included in analysis. The predominant condition seen in both small ruminant species was endoparasitism. In both sheep and goats, female juvenile animals were more likely to be diagnosed with this condition at necropsy during summer months. Abortive diseases were the next most prominent condition diagnosed in both small ruminant species. The majority of these cases were due to an unknown cause and age was a significant risk factor in both sheep and goats. Neurological disorders in goats and pneumonia in sheep were included in the most prevalent diagnoses at postmortem examination with age being a significant risk factor. These findings suggest that many small ruminant deaths are attributed to infectious diseases that have herdwide implications. Producer education could be beneficial to help identify and implement control measures in a timely manner to help minimize production loss associated with common diseases.

This study examined the impact of the 2017 Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule changes on the prevalence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli) in cecal samples of food animals (cattle, swine, chicken, and turkey) at US slaughterhouses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze 2013–2019 cecal samples of food-producing animals surveillance data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) in the U.S. The variables included year (used to evaluate VFD rule changes), host, and quarter of year. The analysis of surveillance data showed that the VFD rule changes have varying effects on tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria in food animals. For example, the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella spp. decreased in cattle but increased in chickens following the implementation of the VFD rule changes. Similarly, the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli decreased in chickens but increased in swine after the VFD rule changes. The odds of detecting erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter spp. increased in cattle but decreased in chickens after the VFD rule changes. In conclusion, the implementation of VFD rule changes has been beneficial in reducing the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter spp. in chickens, as well as tetracycline-resistant Salmonella spp. in cattle at US slaughterhouses.

Since January 1, 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has fully implemented the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) final rule aimed at facilitating the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The objective of this study was to identify the common perceptions of Tennessee (TN) cattle producers regarding the VFD. We used a combination of focus groups and survey questionnaires to explore TN cattle producers' perceptions regarding the VFD. Preliminary findings from seven focus groups of 62 producers were used in the development of the questionnaire sent both online and in-print to rest of cattle producers in TN. The beef focus group participants perceived the VFD: to be a top-down policy; to have led to unregulated access to in-feed antimicrobials; a regulation that has limited the producers' ability to prevent disease and leading to economic losses; to negatively affect small producers; and to be affected by challenges related to prescription writing and disposal of un-used medicines. The dairy focus group participants perceived the VFD as unnecessary and burdensome, to have affected small producers, and introduced additional costs. Among the survey questionnaire respondents, 35 (15.4%) beef producers and 6 (13.6%) dairy producers respectively were not familiar at all with the VFD. Forty-eight (21.1%) beef producers and 11 (25%) dairy producers were slightly familiar with VFD. Gender was significantly associated (P = 0.02) with the beef producers' belief in the usefulness of the VFD. Similarly, for dairy producers, herd size was significantly associated (P = 0.002) with their perceptions regarding the usefulness of the VFD. The findings of this study could inform future VFD policy review processes. More awareness regarding the VFD and its benefits is needed among both beef and dairy producers in TN.

The presence of antibiotic residues in the tissue of food animals is a growing concern due to the adverse health effects that they can cause in humans, such as antibiotic resistance bacteria. An inspector-generated sampling (IGS) dataset from the United States National Residue Surveillance Program, collected between 2014 and 2019, was analyzed to investigate the association of changes in the veterinary feed directive (VFD) regulations on the detection of violative penicillin, tetracycline, sulfonamide, desfuroylceftiofur, tilmicosin, and florfenicol, residues in the tissue of food animals. Multivariable logistic regression models were used for analysis. While the animal production class was significantly associated with residue violations for tetracycline, having a sample collection date after the implementation of change in VFD regulations was not. However, the odds of detecting violative sulfonamide and penicillin residues in the tissue of food animals following the implementation of the change in VFD regulations were 36% and 24% lower than those collected before the implementation of the change in VFD regulations period, respectively, irrespective of animal production class. Violative desfuroylceftiofur, tilmicosin, and florfenicol residues in the tissue of food animals were not significantly associated with the implementation of changes in the VFD regulations. Further investigation of the factors that influence the presence of violative antibiotic residues in the tissue of food animals following the change in VFD regulations would lend clarity to this critical issue.

Background In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans, which has triggered concerns over non-judicious antimicrobial use. In the United States, antimicrobial use in food-producing animals for growth promotion or improved feed efficiency is perceived as non-judicious. To facilitate judicious antimicrobial use, the United States Food and Drug Administration implemented the Veterinary Feed Directive, effective from January 1, 2017. Interventions, such as the VFD, designed to ensure the judicious use of antimicrobials among cattle producers may be more effective if the factors that inform and influence producer AMU practices are addressed. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the following among Tennessee beef cattle producers: (1) the most common drivers for using antimicrobials, (2) the perceived alternatives to antimicrobials, (3) the knowledge and perceptions regarding antimicrobial resistance, and (4) the preferred avenues for receiving information on prudent antimicrobial use. A total of 5 focus group meetings with beef producers were conducted in East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Each focus group was video recorded and thematic analysis was performed using NVivo. Results The factors that producers considered to drive antimicrobial use were the type of cattle operation, disease and animal welfare, economic factors, veterinarian consultation, producer’s experience and peer support, Veterinary Feed Directive, and perceived drug efficacy. Vaccination, proper nutrition, and other good management practices were considered alternatives to antimicrobial use. To encourage vaccine use among small producers, participants suggested packaging vaccines into smaller quantities. Antimicrobial resistance was perceived to be a problem affecting animal and public health. Participants suggested additional education for cattle producers on the prudent use of antimicrobials as a measure for improving antimicrobial use. The veterinarian, producer associations and meetings, and county extension agents emerged as trusted avenues for channeling information on prudent antimicrobial use to cattle producers. Conclusions Several factors drive antimicrobial use among cattle producers in Tennessee. Participants generally perceived their antimicrobial use to be discreet and only when necessary. More awareness of drivers for the development of antimicrobial resistance and continuing education on prudent antimicrobial use is needed for Tennessee beef producers.

Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin (S. Dublin) was diagnosed in a dairy herd after signs of acute gastroenteritis and sepsis. Two hundred eighty‐three Holstein cattle were sampled resulting in 700 observations, and serology for S. Dublin was performed. Holstein cattle sampled were divided by origin and arrival date to determine on‐farm exposure. Prevalence estimates were calculated and compared with control measures implemented on the dairy during the outbreak. One group of cows, presumed to be the original carrier animals, had the highest overall seroprevalence (76.5%). Seroprevalence decreased throughout the study, coinciding with testing and management changes. This report documents biosecurity measures that identified S. Dublin after the purchase of subclinical carrier cattle and the steps taken to successfully control herd transmission.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can present with a wide range of symptoms in affected individuals. We report the case of a 56-year-old African-American woman with a history of hypertension who was admitted to the hospital due to persistent generalized weakness and intermittent seizures. According to her son, these symptoms began after starting antihypertensive therapy. She had experienced multiple hospital admissions for intermittent weakness and received treatment for a UTI and ruptured acute appendicitis. During one admission, she was prescribed Keppra at a dose of 500 mg twice daily. However, her symptoms persisted with no significant improvement, leading to an increased Keppra dosage of 750 mg twice daily. Imaging studies, including CT scans from all admissions, showed chronic ischemic changes but no acute abnormalities. An EEG was normal, but an MRI of the head and cervical spine revealed lesions characteristic of MS, including white matter inflammation, demyelination, and scarring. Her symptoms resolved following treatment with a 500 mg pulse dose of steroids for an MS exacerbation. This case highlights that effective seizure management often improves with appropriate treatment of the underlying disease. Once MS was identified and treated, her seizures resolved, and she continued on 750 mg of Keppra.

The dairy industry faces challenges from mastitis, which affects milk quality. Somatic Cell Counts (SCCs) are key indicators of udder health, subclinical mastitis presence, and legal thresholds. However, limited research has explored geographic disparities and temporal patterns in SCCs across the USA, despite their critical role in informing targeted herd management strategies, optimizing policy interventions, and ensuring consistent milk quality standards. This study aimed to examine temporal trends and geographic disparities in median weighted SCCs (mwSCCs) across USA states. This study analyzes SCC data using records from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association across 42–45 states between 2011 and 2023. State-level differences in mwSCCs were examined, with temporal changes assessed using percent differences between 2011 and 2023. Moran’s I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were used to identify spatial clusters of states with high and low mwSCCs. The mwSCCs decreased by 24.8%, from 234,000 cells/mL in 2011 to 176,000 cells/mL in 2023, with significant reductions in Virginia and Georgia, while Tennessee and South Carolina had minimal declines. However, Texas, California, and Colorado saw increases, with Colorado rising by 147.9%. Spatial clustering revealed high mwSCCs in the southeast and low levels in the northeast, highlighting the need for region-specific strategies.