The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses significant risks to human and animal health. The exponential increase in antibiotic use, coupled with the shortage of novel antibiotics, is exacerbating the threat of emerging pathogens.
The TrophicHealth network aims to research the spread of zoonotic pathogens and resistance to antimicrobial substances by applying organic fertilizers from livestock farming. It examines how pathogens and resistance get from livestock into the environment and back. The central question is whether and how the resilience of ecosystems can interrupt this cycle and what effects this has on the health of people, animals and plants as well as on the entire ecosystem. To this end, extensive field studies are being carried out at various points in circular agriculture and the food chain. The results are then verified through laboratory-scale experiments. Based on the results, hypotheses on the potential spread of AMR and pathogens as well as measures to contain them are formulated.
The project thus makes an important contribution to the goals of the Federal Government’s Health Research Framework Program, namely the BMFTR’s funding guidelines published in the program for the promotion of trans- and interdisciplinary research collaborations on the topic of “Pandemic prevention and response within the framework of a One Health approach“. The aim of the funding measure is to improve preparation and response to future outbreaks of infection in humans and to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in infection research and with practice. The associations are intended to develop practical solutions to prevent and, in the event of an outbreak, to contain infections with different pathogens and AMR in Germany.
