Manual for reporting 2023 antimicrobial resistance data under Directive 2003/99/EC and Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/1729

This manual provides guidance for reporting antimicrobial resistance in food‐producing animals and foodstuffs derived therefrom under the framework of Directive 2003/99/EC and Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/1729. The objective is to harmonise and streamline Member States reporting to ensure that the antimicrobial resistance data collected are relevant and easy to analyse at the European Union level. Detailed guidelines are provided for reporting data and completing the free‐text forms. This guidance typically applies to Salmonella spp., indicator commensal Escherichia coli, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni, and the animal populations and food categories to be reported on. Guidance is also provided on indicator Enterococcus and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The manual notably includes specific guidance for reporting mandatory data on Salmonella spp. and commensal indicator E. coli producers of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs)/AmpCs/carbapenemases obtained from the harmonised routine monitoring, and ESBL‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase‐producing E. coli derived from specific monitoring. This manual is specifically aimed at guiding the reporting of information deriving from the year 2023.