NARMS Program Highlights

The NARMS program consists of three areas or arms:

• Animal Arm
  
• Human Arm
• Retail Arm

A pilot study of animal feed ingredients is also included in NARMS. Human-origin isolates are submitted by state and local public health laboratories across the country. All testing of human isolates is conducted at the National Center for Infectious Disease (NCID), CDC, in Atlanta , Georgia . Animal specimens for NARMS are collected from federally inspected slaughter and processing facilities, from healthy animals on farms, and from Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories including USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories. These samples are then tested for antimicrobial drug susceptibility at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Russell Research Center in Athens , Georgia . Animal and human isolates currently monitored in NARMS are non-typhoid Salmonella , Campylobacter , E. coli , and Enterococci. CDC also tests additional human isolates including Salmonella typhi, Listeria and Shigella . Susceptibility testing of Salmonella , Campylobacter , E. coli , and Enterococci isolates from Retail Meats and Animal Feed Ingredients is conducted at FDA, CVM's Office of Research Lab in Laurel , MD.

When the NARMS program began in 1996, Salmonella was the sentinel organism tested. NARMS results for Salmonella are available since 1997. The program has adapted to antimicrobial drug resistance research needs by adding different species of bacteria and antimicrobial drugs for evaluation. Campylobacter , E. coli , and Enterococci organisms were added to the testing program over time. Examples of program evolution include the following:

• In 2001, the NARMS program was expanded to include a pilot study of isolates from retail meats samples collected across the state of Iowa . Testing of Salmonella, Campylobacter , E. coli , and Enterococci isolates from the pilot study was conducted at the CVM's Office of Research Laboratory in Laurel , Md.
• In 2001, Listeria and Vibrio were added to list of human isolates tested by CDC.
• In January 2002, a FoodNet Retail Meat Surveillance study began in collaboration with states participating in the FoodNet program.
• A pilot study of animal feed ingredients collected at rendering plants across the country was also started in 2002.
• In January 2003, collection of human samples was expanded to all 50 states including three local health departments ( District of Columbia , Los Angeles County and New York City ).

The CDC and USDA provide the NARMS results annually in comprehensive summary reports. These reports are available on the CDC, USDA, and FDA/CVM web sites (see NARMS Data section below). An annual report describing results of the retail meat and animal feed ingredient testing is also planned. In addition, periodic public meetings are held to present NARMS results and provide a forum for presentation of other related antimicrobial resistance research.