Drivers for AMR in Poultry in India (DARPI)

The emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human and animal health. AMR affects livestock productivity, impacting farmer livelihoods, food security and safety. Poultry is the fastest growing livestock sector in India. It supplies affordable protein and is integral to food security. However, there is evidence of AMR of human health significance, being prevalent within poultry; however, the practices and pressures which select for AMR in poultry production are not understood. This interdisciplinary project will address the gaps in knowledge by understanding practices on farms, how disease is managed and determining the drivers for the development of AMR in the whole broiler supply chain in three of the main poultry-producing states of India. It will be the first in India to link and make visible, social and economic behaviours which contribute to AMR selection and transmission in an intensive animal production system. It will increase understanding of AMR selection through tracking AMR genes; and, enable better understanding of the economic and social dimensions contributing to AMR. Furthermore, the co-design of interventions with those working in the industry will facilitate the development of interventions, which are feasible, acceptable and cost-effective to reduce or mitigate AMR in the Indian poultry meat supply chain.

DARPI is a Newton project funded by RCUK and DBT in India and is jointly led by Professor Nicola Williams in the UK and Dr Nagendra Hegde of the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology. It also involves colleagues in the University of Edinburgh, Royal Holloway University of London, University of the Arts London, Royal Veterinary College, with Dr Nagendra Hegde leading on the Indian side from the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, and also involves Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University, ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University and the Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economic and Policy. It is a Newton Funded project worth ~£3 million, with funding coming both from RCUK and DBT in India.