The EU EFFORT Project studies how to prevent antimicrobials resistance development along the food chain using newly developed molecular and bio-informatics technologies : (1/12/2013 – 30/11/2018)

The introduction of antimicrobial agents in the 1940s for human clinical medicine and also in animal husbandry was one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century. However, the benefits of antimicrobial discovery and their application have become challenging, particularly where overuse could become counterproductive. The use of antimicrobial invariably leads to selection of bacteria that are resistant against the substance used. Resistance can then spread in populations and the environment. The great adaptive ability of bacteria means that resistant bacteria can evolve quickly and then spread rapidly even at a global scale.

The EU 5 year-funded project, Ecology from Farm to Fork Of microbial drug Resistance and Transmission (EFFORT) studies the complex epidemiology and ecology of antimicrobial resistance and the interactions between bacterial communities, commensals and pathogens in animals, the food chain and the environment. The project outcomes will help the EC to implement strategies to prevent further development of antimicrobials resistance by prioritizing risk management options along the food chain.

The European EFFORT consortium consists of 20 partners from 10 European countries, namely Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland. The project conducts a combination of epidemiological and ecological studies using newly developed molecular and bio-informatics technologies. In addition, the project includes an exposure assessment of humans from animal and environmental sources. The ecological studies on isolates are verified by in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, real-life intervention studies are conducted aiming at reducing the use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice.

From 26 (13:00) to 28 (17:00) November 2018, the EFFORT consortium will hold its International Conference “Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain – From Science to Policy”. During the 2 and half days, the EFFORT consortium will present new scientific evidence and breaking results based on the high quality data collected in the EFFORT project. They will inform decision makers, the scientific community and other stakeholders about their findings and the impact on the risk of AMR in the food chain, both in relation to animal health and welfare, as well as food safety and economics.

Policy and science leaders from outside the consortium will be invited as keynote speakers to share their views of EFFORT results as well as their own thoughts and findings.

Major topics will be covered such as:

The optimal use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals,
The use of metagenomics for AMR surveillance along the food chain,
The exposure of humans to AMR micro-organisms through food,
The effectiveness of AMU-interventions and their economic aspects,
The needs for future policy changes to minimise public health risk due to AMR.

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If you want to know more about the project, please visit the project public website at: www.effort-against-amr.eu

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