In the ongoing battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a recent study published in *Science in One Health* sheds light on the complexities of modelling AMR across different settings, offering crucial insights for policymakers and the agriculture sector. Led by Carys J. Redman-White from the University of Edinburgh, the research underscores the need for transdisciplinary collaboration to tackle this global health challenge effectively.
AMR is a pressing issue that threatens human and animal health, as well as environmental ecosystems. The study highlights the disparities in data quality and availability, which pose significant challenges in understanding the development, spread, and impacts of AMR. “The heterogeneity of AMR makes it difficult to define as a single outcome,” explains Redman-White. “This complexity is further compounded by differences between microbial species, resistance genes, and various environments, complicating the generalizability of model applications.”
The research identifies key knowledge gaps, particularly in the relationship between antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR. These gaps hinder the ability to anticipate the outcomes of different interventions and courses of action. The study emphasizes the need for synoptic AMR metrics to cut through the complexity for effective policymaking.
For the agriculture sector, the implications are substantial. AMR threatens the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs crucial for combating infectious diseases in livestock, which can have profound economic impacts. The study’s findings suggest that a pragmatic approach, informed by modelling other environmental challenges, could help develop strategies to mitigate AMR’s effects on agricultural productivity and food security.
The research also discusses the status of AMR modelling with respect to a hierarchy of modelling evidence for decision-making. By learning from modelling other “wicked” environmental challenges, the study proposes a more informed and pragmatic approach to guide policy.
As the agriculture sector grapples with the commercial impacts of AMR, this research offers a roadmap for future developments. By fostering transdisciplinary collaboration and improving data quality, the sector can better anticipate and mitigate the risks posed by AMR. The study’s insights are a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to work together towards sustainable solutions.
Published in *Science in One Health* and led by Carys J. Redman-White from the University of Edinburgh, this research is a significant step forward in the fight against AMR. As the world continues to navigate this complex issue, the study’s findings will be instrumental in shaping future policies and strategies to protect both human and animal health.