The objective of the focus action was to sample and obtain isolates from bacteria of the genus Escherichia coli that produce ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases), AmpC (AmpC beta-lactamases), or carbapenemase. The bacteria were obtained from chicken meat.

ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase are enzymes that act on different antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) and can render them ineffective.

341 samples of chicken meat from all over Austria were examined:

• ESBL/ AmpC-forming E. coli were detectable in 127 samples.
• Carbapenemase-forming E. coli were not detectable in any sample.

For EU-wide monitoring and reporting of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria, the testing of at least 300 food samples for E. coli forming ESBL or AmpC or carbapenemase was planned for 2018. Zoonotic bacteria are bacteria that can cause zoonoses, which are diseases transmissible from vertebrates to humans and vice versa from humans to vertebrates. Commensal bacteria bring neither advantages nor disadvantages to their host organism, such as humans.

In 2018, sampling of poultry meat (raw, fresh chicken meat whole or cut up, original packaging, no offal), from retail outlets across the country, was planned. From 2015 to 2020, chicken or pork and beef will be sampled at the turn of the year. Since 2017, sampling has been handled via a focal action.