The aim of the project is to develop a holistic analysis of antimicrobial use (AMU), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and risk factors across both dairy and pig farms in Argentina

What is the problem? 

AMR is a global threat to health and development and a problem that is getting steadily worse. Within Latin America, Argentina has been tracking levels of AMR in human infections for over 30 years and was the first country in the region to develop a national strategy for the control of AMR. However, data for AMU is extremely limited and the amount of AMR bacteria on farms and in the near-farm environment is poorly understood, as it is in many other countries of the world.

Furthermore, whilst antimicrobial residues are monitored in foodstuffs entering the formal market, there is a significant informal market, and antimicrobial levels in the environment are not routinely measured. One potential response to the rising threat of AMR is regulation, and both international organizations - led by the World Health Organisation - and individual countries have sought to formulate, for example, new regulatory frameworks to address the use of antimicrobials in farming, as well as the management of farm waste. Developing countries like Argentina benefit from support and information to adequately train veterinarians and other specialists in dealing with AMR, develop regulations, build surveillance capacity and improve farming practices in order to limit this global challenge.

To learn more about our project and find out about further research into AMR, click the following link: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/amr/research/surveillance-of-amr-and-antimicrobial-usage-in-farming-/farms-safe-/

FARMS-SAFE is funded by the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) through the Department of Health and Social Care of England, UK Research and Innovation, UK Aid and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET).