Global distribution of antimicrobial resistance patterns in animal slaughterhouse environments: An updated and comprehensive review with evidence

This dataset was generated as part of a comprehensive systematic review investigating the global distribution and patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal slaughterhouse environments. The primary hypothesis underlying the study was that slaughterhouse settings act as important interfaces for the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across different animal production systems and geographic regions. The dataset compiles extracted quantitative and qualitative information from more than fifty peer-reviewed studies conducted across multiple continents. Variables included study location, sampling period, slaughterhouse type, sample source (e.g., carcasses, wastewater, environmental swabs, worker samples), bacterial species identified, phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles, and detection of resistance genes. The data were systematically collected following predefined inclusion criteria and standardized extraction protocols to ensure comparability across studies. The compiled dataset demonstrates substantial heterogeneity in antimicrobial resistance prevalence, with frequent reports of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other zoonotic pathogens in slaughterhouse environments. Notable findings include consistently high resistance to commonly used antimicrobials such as tetracycline, ampicillin, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones, as well as documented presence of clinically relevant resistance genes including blaCTX-M, mcr, tet, and sul variants. This dataset can be used for secondary analyses, comparative risk assessments, meta-analytic modeling, and surveillance mapping to better understand AMR transmission dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface. Researchers and policymakers may also utilize the dataset to identify regional knowledge gaps, prioritize intervention points along meat production chains, and support One Health-based antimicrobial stewardship strategies.