Animal-Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Supply Chain

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to human health in the 21st century. Recent research by The Lecent suggests that 4.95 million deaths worldwide in 2019 are associated with antimicrobial resistance and are particularly severe in low and middle-income countries. Antibiotic overuse has led to pathogenic bacteria becoming more resistant and reducing productivity. The overuse of antimicrobials in farming as a substitute for good hygiene practices is driving the rise of AMR and transferred from farm to plate through the supply chain. There have been some studies suggesting that the supply chain for food animals, such as aquaculture, maybe a pathway to spreading antimicrobial bacteria and antimicrobial genes between humans and farmed animals, but this transmission pathway remains unclear. Multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary approaches are required to manage antibiotic residues and pathogenic bacteria in breeding environments, food, and hygiene, as well as markets. However, most studies examine environmental monitoring and human exposure to AMR, few studies examine how animal-foodborne AMR might affect human health through food supply chain . In this study, we propose to examine the relationship between dietary exposure andanimal-foodborne AMR  from a supply chain perspective by using a combination of big data analysis and field surveys to identify the transferring mechanisms of AMR in animal foods. This study will provide a scientific basis for understanding the transferring of AMR from farm to plate through the supply chain and provide guidance for regulating foodborne diseases.

Skills for Project