Antimicrobial resistance in production animals

There is growing recognition of the significant role food production animals play in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This issue is particularly relevant in the realm of food production, where the administration of antibiotics of importance to human health to animals can foster the emergence of resistant bacterial strains that may be transmitted to humans through the food supply chain. Further, resistance can develop to antibiotics of importance for animal health which can create health and productivity issues. Cross-sectional surveys of Australian food animal production systems have revealed that very low levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are present in key bacterial species. Expansion of AMR surveillance in food production systems is, however, needed to improve the detection sensitivity of emerging resistances of importance to human and animal health. Scalable high throughput technologies, such as the robotic antimicrobial susceptibility platform (RASP), represents a step-fold change in the capacity to accurately detect AMR. Enhanced surveillance along with improved biosecurity, industry engagement and antimicrobial stewardship will contribute to maintaining low levels of AMR in Australia’s food production systems.