Researchers at Anand Agricultural University (AAU) in Gujarat, India, have produced a local-language pamphlet on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to circulate among the poultry stakeholders in Gujarat.
The pamphlet describes the use and misuse of antibiotics and the adverse effects this can have on people, animals, and the environment.
Building awareness of AMR is an important element of the work the AAU team is undertaking to address the growing threat of AMR.
Haidaruliman Paleja, Project Manager for the One Health Poultry Hub’s Gujarat team said AMR is a complex issue and requires a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach.
AMR awareness
Awareness and understanding of AMR is considered a priority area to combat AMR by the WHO. Moreover, with an increasing consumer awareness of AMR and a demand for quality, residue-free products, it is crucial for poultry producers to understand the issues involved and adopt and practice technologies and concepts that produce safe and hygienic food.
AMR was discussed to create awareness during group meetings AAU researchers held with farmers to introduce and update One Health Poultry Hub activities, as well as during a training program on poultry management. Farmers were advised to follow good animal husbandry practices and take care of biosecurity rather than depending on medicines.
AMR r&d
Antibiotics are used in food animal production systems worldwide to guard against disease, for treatment and to promote growth. At AAU, researchers have conducted a study to assess the effect of probiotics on broiler poultry performance as an alternative to antibiotic use, as well as on metagenomics and AMR genes screening.
Initial results suggest that antibiotics have a significant effect on broiler poultry performance, followed by probiotics.
AAU researchers have also undertaken studies to identify the AMR genes for different antibiotics found in the microbiome of the gut in chickens. These revealed the presence of the genes in the gut microbiome in chicken against a range of antibiotics.
