USDA allocates US$5M to strengthen antimicrobial resistance monitoring tools

USA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has committed nearly US$5 million to support eight projects designed to enhance antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring tools. 

The funding, awarded to leading academic institutions and organisations, aims to bolster efforts in tracking AMR, a global health threat affecting both humans and animals. 

The recipients include prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, Iowa State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Washington, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

AMR, which compromises the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, poses a significant challenge to public and animal health. 

APHIS’s funding will be used to maintain, expand, and optimise AMR dashboards, which will track the emergence and spread of resistant microbes in livestock, poultry, and companion animals. 

These dashboards are pivotal for monitoring AMR trends, detecting new resistance patterns, and understanding the complex relationship between antimicrobial use and animal health management practices.

Fighting a growing global threat

AMR is a pressing issue, as the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture contribute to the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) finds that without significant interventions, AMR could cause livestock production losses equivalent to the annual consumption needs of 746 million people in a moderate scenario and more than two billion people in a severe one by 2050.

APHIS aims to provide essential data that will inform strategies for responsible antibiotic use and ensure effective disease management. 

The dashboards will serve as vital tools for veterinarians, producers, and policymakers, offering critical insights into antimicrobial resistance patterns and supporting efforts to safeguard animal and public health.

Key focuses of the project include:

• Tracking the spread of antimicrobial-resistant microbes in domesticated animals.
• Investigating the dynamics and frequency of resistance emergence.
• Improving coordination and collaboration among stakeholders for AMR data integration.

This initiative is part of APHIS’ broader efforts to combat AMR in animal agriculture, including data collection through the National Animal Health Monitoring System and laboratory support via the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

These projects will enable the USDA to better understand antimicrobial effectiveness over time, evaluate emerging resistance profiles, and provide actionable guidance for improving antimicrobial stewardship.

The funding, allocated under the USDA’s fiscal year 2024 and 2025 appropriations, underscores APHIS’ leadership in promoting animal health and securing the nation’s food supply. 

As the global AMR crisis continues to evolve, these tools represent a significant step toward more robust monitoring, better-informed policies, and more effective responses to antimicrobial resistance in animal agriculture.

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