Postgraduate Studentship in Veterinary Microbiology & Public Health: Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Poultry Production

The use of antimicrobials in animals and the consequences of such use for the spread of antimicrobial resistance via the food chain and, ultimately, for human health are of global concern. This study aims to quantify antimicrobial use at farm-level in poultry production in Ireland, to determine the effect of specific antimicrobial use practices on the occurrence of resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria of animal origin and identify factors associated with high levels of antimicrobial use. In addressing these aims, the project will identify specific strategies and practices which can be used at farm-level to reduce antimicrobial use and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. A large volume of farm-level data (antimicrobial use, management practices etc.) will be collected and analysed as part of this study while classical microbiological and molecular techniques will be used to identify resistant organisms.

The postgraduate student will be based in UCD for the duration of the study and will responsible for the collection and analysis of data from specialist poultry veterinarians and producers and for sample collection, bacterial culture, susceptibility testing and molecular analysis of isolates.