Scottish researchers secure US$1M to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Vietnamese aquaculture

VIETNAM – Researchers from the University of Stirling have been awarded more than £770,000 (US$1 million) in funding to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Vietnam’s pangasius aquaculture industry. 

This initiative, spearheaded by the university’s Institute of Aquaculture, focuses on developing and implementing a novel vaccine for farmed freshwater catfish (Pangasius), one of Vietnam’s key export products, sold in over 160 countries.

The funding, provided by Canada’s International Development Research Centre and the UK Department of Health and Social Care, is part of the Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (InnoVet-AMR) program. 

The project, now entering its second phase, aims to reduce the sector’s heavy reliance on antibiotics, contributing to an escalating AMR crisis.

The project, led by Professor Margaret Crumlish, seeks to combat vaccine hesitancy among farmers, a major hurdle in adopting preventive measures. 

The team’s immersion-based vaccine, which protects against bacterial infections such as Edwardsiella ictaluri and Aeromonas hydrophila, is expected to significantly protect the fish. 

However, previous research revealed that many farmers still prefer antibiotics due to mistrust, cost concerns, and logistical challenges.

To overcome these barriers, the project includes behavioural scientists and economists like Professors Ronan O’Carroll and David Comerford, who analyse the factors behind farmers’ reluctance. 

The research also explores how changing attitudes towards vaccines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic might encourage greater vaccine uptake.

The second phase of the project, running until 2026, focuses on scaling up vaccine production and distribution while promoting strategic interventions to help farmers transition away from antibiotic use. 

The Stirling team, which includes aquaculture and economic experts, has already published several research papers from the project’s first phase, with more findings currently under review. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to curb AMR in low- and middle-income countries through innovative research and development.

This investment comes at a time when AMR is receiving considerable attention globally as the devastating effects it could have continue to become clear. 

World leaders recently pledged decisive action at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) against the growing threat of AMR. 

The High-Level Meeting on AMR concluded with the approval of a political declaration that sets ambitious targets to curb the devastating effects of AMR, including a 10% reduction in the estimated 4.95 million annual deaths linked to bacterial resistance by 2030. 

The declaration marks a unified global response to one of our time’s most pressing health challenges.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), collectively known as the Quadripartite, hailed the agreement. 

The declaration calls for significant financial commitments, including US$100 million in catalytic funding to support national action plans on AMR.

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