Summary of minutes of the March 2022 meeting

Using genomics to identify the contributions of humans, animals, food and the environment to the burden of AMR

1. The group received a presentation on the findings of the above Food Standards Agency (FSA) funded study that is using genomics to identify the contributions of humans, animals, food and the environment to the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Study was commissioned to address the following questions:

• What is the contribution of food to the burden of pathogens and AMR in humans?
• What is the contribution of imported vs domestic food?
• How much AMR is carried in non-pathogenic bacteria in food?

2. Members discussed the findings and provided comments for the researcher to consider. The group asked to be updated on the other ongoing studies taking place under the umbrella of this FSA funded study.

Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli and Campylobacter from Retail Turkey Meat and E. coli from Retail Lamb in 2020/21

3. The group was presented with the findings of the above survey commissioned by the FSA commissioned to gather data on the prevalence of AMR E. coli and Campylobacter found on turkey meat and AMR E. coli found on lamb meat on retail sale in the UK.

4. The group commented on the findings. Study report is now available on the FSA’s website.

Update on the FSA’s AMR research programme

5. The secretariat updated the group on the FSA’s AMR research programme.

6. Members noted the FSA’s recently published and ongoing AMR-related research and surveillance, commented on the proposed AMR research and surveillance proposed for 2022 and on the proposed review of the FSA’s AMR research programme in planned for autumn 2022.

Veterinary Medicines Directorate update on AMR One Health activities across government

7. The group received an update on government’s One Health AMR activities AMR One Health activities. It was noted that both the AMR National Action Plan (NAP) and the 20-Year Vision take a One Health approach in their ambition to control and contain AMR. It was highlighted that Veterinary Medicines Agency’s (VMD) inputs into One Health surveillance, research and policy for the delivery of the goals for the NAP. The update covered the following areas: surveillance, research, domestic policy, international policy and the Food and Agriculture Organisation reference centre.

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Update on DARC’s activities

8. Update on Defra Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination (DARC) group activities covered the following areas: recent findings AMR in livestock, ResAlerts, policy (updates on, and discussion of, AMR-related policy), surveillance (UK-wide surveillance programmes for antimicrobial use and AMR in animals, including the impact of leaving the European Union on the UK-wide Harmonised Monitoring programme for AMR) and research.

Work plan discussion on future meetings

9. The group discussed its work plan for future meetings.

Secretariat

April 2022