Microorganisms and resistance to antimicrobials. Ubiquity of | potential environmental and wildlife sources of microorganisms in meat

It is well recognized that human, animal and environmental health are intrinsically connected and embraced by the One Health concept. Thus, the health of humans, animals, and crops plays a pivotal role in ensuring food safety. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are widespread in the environment and among wildlife. As the surroundings in which animals live may impact their colonization and contamination with these organisms, the quality and safety of the meat derived from these species may be influenced by preharvest environmental exposures. Because of interactions between wildlife and domestic animals, the carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria by wildlife, even those species not typically consumed as food, is critically important to meat safety. These interactions may serve as a source of exposure of livestock and poultry to these infectious agents and provide a conduit whereby these organisms enter the food chain.