High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Rabbit Farms from Sumy Region, Ukraine.

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health, food security, and sustainable livestock production. Despite increasing concern, AMR remains poorly studied in cuniculture, particularly in regions where rabbit farming is predominantly small-scale and household-based. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in rabbit farms in northeastern Ukraine. Methods: A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from clinically healthy rabbits housed in two farms and one vivarium. DNA was extracted and analyzed using real-time PCR targeting 21 ARGs associated with resistance to major antibiotic classes, including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, β-lactams, macrolides, quinolones, carbapenems, and multidrug efflux systems. Results: A diverse and widespread resistome was identified. The most prevalent genes included sul1 (96%), blaTEM (95%), tetM (94%), and ermB (93%). AcrB (78%) and qnrS/oqxB (approximately 67%) were also frequently detected. Carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM) were identified in 6% of samples, despite limited veterinary use of carbapenems. Notably, 96% of samples harbored ARGs from three or more antibiotic classes, indicating a high potential for multidrug resistance. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence and diversity of ARGs in rabbit farming systems in northeastern Ukraine. The presence of clinically significant resistance genes, including those conferring carbapenem resistance, underscores the urgent need for targeted AMR surveillance and improved antibiotic stewardship in cuniculture, particularly in regions with minimal regulatory oversight of antimicrobial use.