Background/Objectives: The widespread use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, particularly strains producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamases. This study aimed to isolate and characterize such strains from fecal samples of broiler chickens (n = 71) and slaughtered turkeys (n = 31) in northwestern Romania. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR were used to evaluate phenotypic resistance patterns and detect the presence of resistance genes (AmpC, blaZ, and blaTEM). Results: The results showed that 55% of turkey and 61% of broiler isolates were presumptive ESBL/AmpC producers. Among all isolates, 50% were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), 44% as multidrug-resistant (MDR), and only 6% were fully susceptible. Gene detection revealed an overall prevalence of 44.2% for AmpC, 72.7% for blaZ, and 58.1% for blaTEM, yielding a total penetrance of 51.09%. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) values, ranging from 0.67 to 81, suggest the efficacy of the antibiotic susceptibility testing method used in detecting the presence of these resistance genes. Conclusion: Overall, these findings highlight a significant burden of antimicrobial-resistant, poultry-associated E. coli strains, warranting stricter antimicrobial stewardship.

(1) Background: The resistance levels of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., etc., isolated from the nasal cavity and the rectum of Dama dama deer from three hunting grounds in Western Romania were assessed. (2) Methods: The analysis was completed using the diffusimetric method, compliant with CLSI reference standards, and with Vitek-2 (BioMérieux, France), on 240 samples. (3) Results: The results were statistically analyzed (by one-way ANOVA) revealing that in four of the ten E. coli strains isolated from animals, 87.5% (p < 0.001) resistance was found. E. coli strains were resistant to cephalexin (100%); seven strains were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin; six were resistant to cefquinome and cefoperazone; five were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; and four were resistant to ceftiofur. However, E. coli was sensitive to amikacin (100%). The most efficient structures were beta-lactams, amikacin, and imipenem, to which all 47 strains studied (100%) were sensitive, followed by nitrofurantoin, to which 45 strains (95.7%) were sensitive, neomycin, to which 44 strains (93.6%) were sensitive, ceftiofur, to which 43 strains (91.5%) were sensitive, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and marbofloxacin, to which 42 strains (89.4%) were sensitive. (4) Conclusions: In wild animal populations, where a human presence is frequently reported, including a constant presence of domestic animals, despite the perceived low risk of emerging resistance to antimicrobials, resistance is likely to develop frequently.

(1) Background: The adhesion and microbiological behaviour of thermoplastic PETG dental appliance surfaces is governed by roughness parameters. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant in Candida albicans biofilms on thermoplastic PETG, related to artificial ageing and surface characteristics, on multiscale levels. (2) Methods: In the present study, two PETG materials were investigated: Crystal^® (Bio Art Dental Equipment, Sao Carlos, Brazil), noted as C, and Duran^® (Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany)—noted as D. Half of the specimens were thermally cycled (TC), resulting in four sample groups, as follows: C, CTC, D, and DTC. Surface roughness was evaluated on different scale topographies. The biofilms were grown on the surfaces. An alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant was used. Statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: Related to nanoroughness, there are insignificant differences among materials or related to thermocycling. More irregular surfaces are associated with larger grain sizes. After thermocycling, micro-roughness values increase. Disinfectant activity decreases the amount of biofilm developed on the surfaces, significantly in the two groups, but is not correlated to the material and artificial ageing. (4) Conclusion: The impact of surface roughness (Ra) on biofilm constitution is controlled by different scale topographies.

The study focused on the hunting practices and potentially pathogenic bacterial species among European fallow deer (Dama dama). Within a five-year period, three hunting grounds from Western Romania were examined. During this period, a total of 1881 deer were hunted, and 240 samples were collected by rectal and nasal swabbing from 120 carcasses. Bacterial strains were identified utilizing bacteriological assays and the Vitek^® 2 Compact system. Notably, the Socodor hunting ground exhibited a significant difference in harvesting quotas between the bucks (Group M) and does/yearlings (Group F), favoring the latter. In the Chișineu Criș–Sălișteanca hunting ground, a likely correlation in harvesting quotas between the two groups was observed. The identified potentially pathogenic bacteria were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecium. These results highlight the importance of effectively managing the deer population and recognize the potential for Dama dama to spread zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing the necessity of adopting a One Health approach and maintaining ongoing surveillance of this game species’ population dynamics.

Background/Objectives: Recent investigations point to red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as a very potent sentinel species for monitoring the dissemination of antimicrobial bacteria in wildlife habitats. Methods: This study investigated antimicrobial resistance in red foxes from 16 hunting grounds (peri-urban and peri-rural) in western Romania, between 2022 and 2024, in order to evaluate the species as “One Health” sentinels at the wildlife–human–animal interface. During this period, 137 bacterial strains previously identified from 216 samples were phenotypically tested using both the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and the Vitek 2 Compact system. Results: Among the Gram-negative isolates, particularly Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, notable antimicrobial resistance and multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes were observed, including resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime) and reduced susceptibility to carbapenems. Resistance patterns observed in Proteus spp. largely reflected intrinsic resistance traits. Methicillin-resistant and MDR staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus, S. pseudintermedius and S. sciuri) were detected in both peri-urban and peri-rural hunting grounds, with higher frequencies observed in peri-rural areas. Although MDR prevalence was slightly higher in peri-urban compared to peri-rural sites, no statistically significant association was identified between area of isolation and antimicrobial resistance or MDR status. Antimicrobial susceptibility results obtained by disk diffusion and the Vitek 2 Compact system showed a high level of concordance for antibiotics tested in common. Conclusions: Overall, these findings support the use of red foxes as effective One Health sentinels for monitoring environmental antimicrobial resistance occurrence across wildlife, domestic animals, and human-impacted habitats.

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a protected species within the European community. In Romania, associations and rehabilitation centers play a vital role in conserving the species and aiding the recovery of injured or orphaned individuals. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the bacterial microbiota associated with this species, particularly in the context of captivity and physiological stress. To achieve this, 44 biological samples were collected from 22 white storks under the care of a wildlife protection association in Sibiu County, and sub-sequently analyzed. The birds originated from various regions of the country and were rescued following incidents such as nest falls, electrocution, abandonment, or poaching. The primary objective of this study was the isolation and identification of pure bacterial strains from the collected samples. Identification was performed using VITEK®2 Compact, resulting in a number of 52 isolated bacterial strains, including seven different species. The findings offer relevant data for understanding the commensal and potentially pathogenic bacterial microbiota of these birds, contributing to the improvement of hygiene, prophylaxis, and treatment measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Additionally, due to the mobility and feeding behavior of the white stork, these birds may play a key role in spreading bacterial species with zoonotic potential into the environment, acting as a vector and source of infection for humans. Consequently, this study opens new research opportunities regarding the risks associated with pathogen transmission and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance observed in this bird species.