Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella spp. Isolated from Poultry Farms and Chicken Meat Preparations

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry, poultry meat preparations in the Republic of Moldova, providing baseline data for future surveillance and control efforts. A total of 165 Salmonella isolates collected between January 2023 and April 2025 from layer farms, broiler farms, meat preparations and animal feed were identified, serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods, following EUCAST and EU regulatory standards. S. Enteritidis was the predominant serotype in layers, while S. Infantis was the most prevalent in broilers and meat preparations. Antimicrobial resistance was significantly higher in isolates from meat preparations compared to those from feces. High resistance to ciprofloxacin (up to 86.4%), nalidixic acid, tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole was observed, especially in isolates from meat preparations. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were identified, with 10.4% of isolates from meat preparations and 3% from feces showing resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes. The study reveals concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to critically important antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. These findings underscore the need for strengthened surveillance, regulation of antimicrobial use in agriculture and coordinated “One Health” strategies to mitigate AMR dissemination.