AMR IN SMALL RUMINANT AGRO-SYSTEMS

The overall goal of the project is to evaluate and document the burden of antimicrobial resistance ( AMR) in small ruminant agrosystems in Virginia for use in designing informed mitigation strategies, but also with broad application in other small ruminant agrosystems in the US. This includes evaluating AMR prevalence and diversity in both commensal and pathogenic bacteria of economic and public health importance. Three broad objectives are proposed in this project that include: 1. Quantify the prevalence and diversity of AMR in commensal E. coli and foodborne pathogens (pathogenic E.coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella) in sheep and goats in Virginia;2.Determine knowledge, attitudes, and behavior around antimicrobial drug use by small ruminant farmers and veterinarians in Virginia; and3. Develop and disseminate face to face, printed, and online resources to address small ruminant health, husbandry, foodborne pathogens, and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).