Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among commensal Escherichia coli from poultry is a growing concern for food safety and public health. This study investigated AMR patterns in E. coli isolated from broiler neck skin at slaughter, comparing organic, antibiotic-free (ATB-free), and conventional production systems. A total of 375 samples were collected from two Italian slaughterhouses and tested by broth microdilution following EU protocols. E. coli was recovered from 358 samples, and 37.9% were presumptively positive for ESBL/AmpC-producing strains. Conventional broilers showed the highest resistance to ampicillin (73.8%), sulfonamides (72.5%), and fluoroquinolones (nalidixic acid, 62.5%; ciprofloxacin, 67.5%), while organic and ATB-free systems showed significantly lower levels. Intermediate resistance occurred for trimethoprim (21.4–47.9%) and tetracycline (36–54%), and low prevalence (<10%) was found for gentamicin, tigecycline, and third-generation cephalosporins. No relevant resistance was detected to colistin or carbapenems (≤1.2%). Total E. coli counts did not differ among systems, suggesting differences in resistant strain proportions rather than bacterial load. ATB-free flocks processed after conventional batches displayed higher resistance, indicating possible cross-contamination during slaughter. These results highlight the influence of farming practices and slaughterhouse hygiene on AMR dissemination, underscoring the need for integrated farm-to-slaughter control strategies.

Sudden outbreaks of exudative epidermitis (EE) are managed with antibiotics. This retrospective observational study evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus (S.) hyicus strains isolated in Northern Italy between January 2022 and April 2025. Isolates were recovered from clinical cases submitted to IZSLER diagnostic laboratories. To ensure data independence, only one isolate per pig farm or strains from the same farm isolated at least 6 months apart were included in the final analysis. Strains resulted from bacteriological examinations on skin swabs (65) and synovial fluid (1) of pigs with EE. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by determining the MIC of 16 antimicrobials in broth microdilution. MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values were determined, and strains were classified as wild-type (WT) or non-WT according to EUCAST ECOFFs. Each antimicrobial showed different sub-populations with reduced susceptibility. MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values were identical or differed by one dilution for most antimicrobials. The highest ratios of non-WT strains were penicillin (97%), tetracycline (91%), and clindamycin (90%). Conversely, non-WT strains ranged between 3 and 6% for oxacillin, cefazolin, ceftiofur, and rifampin.