MITIGATING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN THE PUERTO RICO DAIRY CHAIN THROUGH RESEARCH, AND TRAINING OF FARMERS AND NEXT-GENERATION SCIENTISTS

Specific Aim 1: To collect surveillance data on the prevalence of AMR E. coli and S. aureus on dairy farms in PR, identify genetic relatedness and modes of AMR gene acquisition, and correlate with milk quality,Specific Aim 2: To engage undergraduate students from the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo in real-time AMR surveillance, genomic analysis of microorganisms, and career-enhancing seminars,Specific Aim 3: Develop cooperative extension education modules that provide knowledge, tools, and peer-training to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use by PR dairy producers