A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO MITIGATE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED POULTRY FARMS BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in animal production systems is a significant challenge to public health. The U.S. government has placed guidelines to reduce antibiotic use in animal farming. However, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges that historically underserved producers may face in meeting these requirements. There are no alternatives to antibiotics (ATA) to curtail the spread of diseases on farms, hence historically underserved poultry producers have been left in unfamiliar territory. Historically underserved producers often face unique challenges stemming from limited resources, risk farming practices, unable to access information on disease management, and minimum veterinary technical support, hence the need for Veterinarian Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Lack of access to information and education on poultry husbandry continues to be evident in Historically underserved poultry. Education and awareness are the primary tools to change inappropriate antimicrobial use, confront livestock diseases and AMR in production systems. Knowledge gap can lead to inefficient resource utilization, disease outbreaks, and suboptimal production yields. Equipping these farmers with the knowledge and skills they need is not only essential for their productivity and profitability, but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of the birds and maintaining a safe food supply.Therefore, the overall goal of this project is to establish an antimicrobial stewardship educational and training program for historically underserved poultry producers, enabling them to implement effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) management practices. The objectives of this project are:1. Determine and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria genes (ARGs) in historically underserved poultry farms. This offers microbial diversity, ARB, ARGs profiles that provide contextual and background data relevant to mitigation of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, Resistance Maps, an interactive collection of charts and maps will be generated to it easier for producers and the public to understand antimicrobial resistance in animal production.2. Introduce UV light in combination with peracetic acid at critical on-farm control points to control microbial contamination and biofilm formation. This will control microbial contamination on the farm and significantly lower the risk of contamination. This contributes to safer and healthier food for consumer.3. Establish valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships (VCPRs) in historically underserved poultry farms. VCPRs are essential to ensure proper diagnosis and disease treatment; explore producers' beliefs, antimicrobial practices, and occurrence of resistant microorganisms in in historically underserved poultry farms.4. Build a capacity of Extension educators and producers knowledgeable in poultry diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Well-trained Extension Specialists will communicate complex topics related to poultry diseases and antimicrobial resistance in a clear and understandable manner to historically underserved poultry producers. Through the project, historically underserved poultry farms will be assisted and supported as they navigate the challenges associated with diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), responsible antibiotic use, and best management practices BMPs. Farmers will be empowered to make informed and responsible decisions, which will have a ripple effect in the agricultural community. As a result, producers will not only contribute to the U.S. government effort to combat AMR, but also maximize their profits, ensuring long-term economic sustainability within their production systems.