The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pigs and their farmhouse environment in Korea. A total of 585 E. coli were isolated in this study during 2006 2007: 426 isolates from 492 pigs and 159 isolates from 312 farmhouse environment samples from 16 different pig farms. The most frequently observed resistance in pig fecal samples was antimicrobials such as tetracycline, streptomycin, and ampicillin. However, resistance to cephalosproins, β-lactam / β-lactam inhibitor combination, and colistin was low. We found an inverse relationship between prevalence of resistant E. coli and animal age. Resistance rate and multi-drug resistance (MDR) was greater in young pigs (piglet and nursery) than for those from adult pigs (grower-finish and sow). Resistance of E. coli from farm environment such as floor, Iron partition, and ventilation was similar with those from pig fecal samples. Farm environment contaminated with MDR bacteria might be a possible source of infections to pigs. Thus, to control and reduce the antimicrobial resistance in pigs, we must also pay attention to the environment.

Abstract
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
  Sample collection
  Isolation and identification of E. coli
  Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
 RESULTS
  Isolation of E.coli
  Antimicrobial resistance of E.coli from pig fecal samples
  Antimicrobial resistance of E. coli from environmental samples
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES

• Suk-Kyung Lim(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency) Corresponding Author
• Jung-Ryul Byun(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Hee-Soo Lee(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Dong-Chan Moon(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Geum-Chan Jang(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
• Suk-Chan Jung(Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)