Genomic ASSESTS (antimicrobial stewardship systems from evidence-based treatment strategies) for livestock

Funding period: 2019-2023
Lead: Tim McAllister
Total GRDI funding: $380,005

Disease-causing bacteria are increasingly able to resist antibiotics used for treatment creating an unprecedented and growing global threat to human and animal health. Animal agriculture is also facing world-wide pressure to reduce its use of antibiotics in food animals. To meet this challenge, veterinarians and livestock producers need to know quickly whether the bacteria causing diseases such as bovine respiratory disease are resistant to the antibiotics intended for treatment. This project supports large-scale uptake of genomic tools and strategies to rapidly field-test groups of calves for disease and antibiotic resistance. We develop a diagnostic support network and cutting-edge computing tools for the livestock industry to manage genomic test data, assess risk and inform therapy decisions. The result will be precision use of antibiotics—quick and accessible information for veterinarians to tailor antibiotic therapy for individual pens of calves. This strategy follows guidelines of the World Health Organization for using antibiotics in livestock. It addresses threats of trade restrictions based on antibiotic resistance in livestock and food. Not meeting these guidelines could jeopardize Canada's $2.75 billion annual export beef market. Meeting or exceeding these guidelines ensures a competitive advantage for Canadian beef.