Developing a conceptual framework to improve understanding of AMR in livestock systems

UK: Argentina AMR DHSC/UKAID towards developing a systems model of AMR focusing on feed-lot beef production systems as an exemplar

Research overview:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) jeopardises the effective prevention and treatment of an increasing range of infections. It is estimated that by 2050, AMR infections will be the leading cause of death globally, at an economic cost of $100 trillion. The burden of this cost likely to be placed overwhelmingly on low and middle income countries.

Antimicrobial usage (AMU) in livestock is associated with increased AMR in animal and human microbiomes. Without taking steps to reduce environmental AMR, efforts in other sectors may be insufficient to prevent the post-antibiotic era that threatens modern medicine. This research takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the impacts of feedlot production on antimicrobial usage and AMR in beef cattle as well as feedlot impacted environments.

Key objectives:

We will produce a "blueprint" for an integrated surveillance, analysis, interpretation, modelling and policy translation approach that can be utilised for any livestock system in any LMIC to facilitate decision making, implementation of incentives and informing new policy around interventions to reduce AMU, AMR and risk to human health

Impact:

This will reduce the economic and societal burden of AMR whilst ensuring associated economic costs of interventions are considered.