NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program to Strengthen Antibiotic Resistance

Project Summary
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Wadsworth Center (WC) public
health laboratory is committed to protecting and improving the health of New
Yorkers through laboratory testing analysis, investigations and research.
The specific aim of this project will be to improve detection of, and surveillance for,
antibiotic resistance for Salmonella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Aeromonas, Vibrio
and other lactose positive bacteria isolated from food products purchased from selected
grocery stores. Objectives will be to: 1) collect and test samples for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Aeromonas, Vibrio and other lactose positive bacteria
utilizing microbiological tests; 2) collect, analyze and exchange surveillance data on
isolate identifications and provide whole genome sequence data and serotyping
analysis; 3) ship isolates attained from meat and seafood samples for additional
testing to FDA; and 4) collaborate with FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM),
NARMS and state laboratory partners.
Outcomes expected from this work include: 1) providing an increase in the total
amount of Salmonella, Campylobacter Enterococcus, Aeromonas, Vibrio and other
lactose positive bacteria isolates from retail meats and seafood that can be analyzed;
2) maintaining the ability to compare results to surveillance data and exchange
information and test results; 3) providing an increase in the number of isolates
submitted to the FDA; and 4) increased collaboration and communication among
partnering entities.