Persistence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) on Norwegian broilerfarms

Five Norwegian broiler farms previously identified as housing broilers carr ying vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were examined for the presence of VRE 4 years after avoparcin was banned. Environmental samples were,obtai ned from empty, cleaned broiler houses. Faecal samples were collected weekl y from the flock housed after the environmental sampling. The hatchery from where the chicks originated was also sampled. VRE were found to be present in the farm environment after depopulation and cleanup of the broiler hous es. Within 3 weeks after introduction to the farm, all broiler flocks teste d positive for VRE. VRE were not isolated from the hatchery. (C) 2000 Feder ation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.