Combining benchmarking and Competency-based training to implement antimicrobial stewardship on dairy farms

NIH RePORTER · FDA · U01 · $300,000 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

ABSTRACT Central Hypothesis: We hypothesize that AMU on dairy farms can be reduced by development of an innovative educational program that motivates the desire for change by providing metrics that benchmark AMU and provides tools to facilitate management changes by enhancing competencies of farm workers and using farmer-led meetings to identify tailored solutions. We propose to strengthen relationships between local veterinarians and their dairy clients by providing a mechanism for engagement using goal-oriented annual antibiotic stewardship plans. Development of metrics to assess progress in reducing AMU will help veterinarians assess compliance with treatment protocols as well as provide evidence of emerging animal health problems that result in increased AMU. Specific Aims: Antibiotics are essential for combatting bacterial diseases and have contributed to increased welfare of both humans and animals. However, antimicrobials can select for resistant bacterial strains that threaten public health. While AMU in human medicine is a well-recognized driver of resistance, the large mass of antimicrobials used in animals is also a potential source of emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria. Thus, it is essential that farmers and veterinarians work together to ensure that AMU is used only to protect animal well-being. The specific aims of this project will motivate and equip dairy farmers and their veterinarians to assess AMU and develop plans that result in responsible and judicious usage of antimicrobials. Specific aims are: 1. Validate an innovative AMU benchmarking tool, and train users to creates metrics comparing AMU among farms and facilitate greater engagement of veterinarians with dairy clients. 2. Develop multilingual, competency-based farm worker training materials to enhance adoption of antimicrobial stewardship principles. Together these aims will enhance veterinary oversight of medically important antimicrobials and ensure that AMU is focused on assuring dairy animal health.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10654227
Project number
1U01FD007790-01
Recipient
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Pamela L Ruegg
Activity code
U01
Funding institute
FDA
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
$300,000
Award type
1
Project period
2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31