The University of Stirling has secured £2.4m for a major international project to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Vietnam’s pangasius catfish industry.
Led by Professor Margaret Crumlish from Stirling’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture , the study will bring together experts from a diverse range of fields to develop practical alternatives to antibiotic use.
The 48-month transdisciplinary study explores the causes and complexity behind the AMR issues recognised in freshwater environments, including those participating in aquaculture - which has increased with the industry’s intensification - alongside understanding barriers to alternative approaches being adopted.
The study will work with farmers to develop a novel roadmap for future research, focused on providing an effective solution to the problem which presents an increasing challenge to a vital food supply for millions of people across Southeast Asia.
Principal Investigator, Professor Margaret Crumlish of the University of Stirling, explained: "AMR is widely recognised as one of the most pressing global challenges facing society and is categorised as a ‘One Health’ issue because it affects human, animal and environmental health.
"Aquatic environments play an important role in the development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance, and aquaculture both depends on and interacts with these ecosystems.
"By focusing on Vietnam's pangasius catfish sector, one of the world's most important freshwater aquaculture industries, we have an ideal opportunity to understand how antimicrobial resistance develops, how it impacts production, and how more sustainable approaches to disease management can be achieved.
"When antibiotics stop working effectively in aquaculture, particularly in freshwater systems in South East Asia, farmers often have few alternatives, but they trust antibiotic products, even if they are not effective.
"This leads to rapid AMR development that can impact human, environmental, and animal health. That's a major concern. Our project has been designed to create a novel research roadmap and practical framework that can be adapted and used in different countries facing similar challenges.
"What makes the study unique is its transdisciplinary approach. Alongside experts in aquaculture, microbiology, veterinary medicine and environmental science, we have researchers from the social sciences and humanities working together throughout the entire project.
"By co-creating solutions with farmers, policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders over the next 48 months, we aim to ensure that any interventions are both scientifically robust and practical to implement."
The new grant builds directly on previous research investigating novel fish vaccines including a recent trial at the University's new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) facilities. The transdisciplinary grant will utilise data from these studies and share with stakeholders to co-create viable solutions and promote better antibiotic stewardship for freshwater aquaculture.
A coalition of UK government partners is investing more than £54 million through 18 new research and innovation projects coordinated through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to help prepare for future epidemics, tackle antimicrobial resistance and accelerate the development of next-generation animal vaccines.
Co-funding for the projects comes from partners including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
UKRI Executive Champion for Tackling Infections and BBSRC Executive Chair, Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, said: “This investment reflects UKRI's central role in delivering government priorities and our long-standing commitment to convening and working with partners across government to fund vital One Health research into human, animal, and plant health.
“By pooling expertise from across the research and innovation ecosystem in the UK and globally, we can tackle related infectious disease challenges in a more coordinated way to get ahead of emerging biological threats and help protect people, animals, plants and the environment, both in the UK and internationally. Ultimately, it will advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive growth.”
Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR, Professor Lucy Chappell, added: “In our interconnected world, we must recognise that the health of humans, animals, and the wider environment are inherently linked and interdependent. Similarly, diseases don’t respect borders, and countries must work together to address our greatest health threats.
"By taking a One Health approach and bringing together experts from the UK and around the world, we can identify threats earlier, strengthen resilience, and deliver better health outcomes for the public.”
Work will be carried out in partnership with the University of Glasgow , University of Sydney , Can Tho University and Vietnam National University .
As well as colleagues Dr Darren Green and Dr Noel Juvigny-Khenafou from the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling, Professor Crumlish will work with Dr Andrew Hoyle from Stirling’s School of Computing, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Dr Saihong Li from the School of Communication, and Dr Till Stowasser from Stirling Business School.