Farm interventions to control antimicrobial resistance

The main FARM-CARE project focuses on exploring techniques for controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pig farms. Pigs are the main contributor to antimicrobial use (AMU) in farm animals and a recognized source of AMR to farm workers, the community and the environment. The project builds upon the established notion that stress is a major driver for pig disease, which in turn contributes to AMU. Our hypothesis is that AMR spread can be controlled by firstly limiting the common practice of mixing, which is a recognized cause of stress and disease in pigs, and secondly, by applying biosecurity measures to prevent AMR transmission to farm workers and the community. We aim to understand the impact of these two interventions on AMU and AMR reduction, and to develop two complementary interventions based on machine learning. The project will assess the cost-effectiveness of each intervention from the perspective of the farmers, the environment and the wider society.