Developing global research roadmaps for alternatives to antimicrobials in animal health: a participatory expert-driven approach
Through a participatory, expert-driven approach involving over 75 global stakeholders, the STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium developed strategic research roadmaps to guide investments and accelerate the delivery of safe, effective alternatives to antimicrobials in animal health to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
Imagine the microscopic world inside a farm animal as a bustling, chaotic city. In this city, tiny invaders called bacteria sometimes cause trouble, making the animals sick. For decades, humans have had a powerful tool to stop these invaders: antimicrobials. Think of these as the city's elite police force, incredibly effective at clearing out the bad guys. But here's the catch: if you use the police too often, or use them when they aren't needed, the bad guys start to learn how to dodge their batons. They evolve, becoming "resistant," and the police force becomes useless. This is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and it's a global emergency because it threatens the health of animals, humans, and the entire planet. We can't just keep using the old police force forever; we need new strategies. We need "Alternatives to Antimicrobials" (ATAs)—new ways to keep the city safe without relying on the old, overworked police. These alternatives might be things like vaccines (training the city's own security), probiotics (bringing in friendly neighbors to crowd out the bad guys), or even microscopic viruses that hunt down bacteria. The big question is: how do we figure out which of these new strategies actually work, and how do we get them from the lab to the farm?
This paper is the story of how a global team of experts decided to build a "roadmap" to answer that question. Instead of guessing or working in isolation, the researchers from the STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) decided to throw a massive, virtual party for scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and regulators. Between 2019 and 2022, they invited over 75 experts from around the world to join workshops and online discussions. Their goal was to map out exactly what we don't know yet and what research needs to happen next to make these new animal health tools a reality.
The team didn't just sit around and talk; they used a structured, participatory approach. They started by asking big questions: How do we make bacteria-targeting agents like phages (tiny virus hunters) work better? How can we boost the animal's own immune system without using drugs? And what exactly is happening inside the animal's gut microbiome (the community of friendly bacteria) that helps them stay healthy? Through a series of online surveys, workshops in Bangkok, and follow-up sessions, the experts identified the biggest "gaps" in our knowledge. They realized that while we have some promising ideas, we are missing the critical steps to turn them into safe, effective products that farmers can actually use.
The paper presents the result of this collaboration: a set of detailed research roadmaps. These aren't just wish lists; they are strategic guides that break down the journey from "cool idea in a lab" to "product on a shelf." The experts agreed that to move forward, we need to focus on specific areas. For example, with phage technologies, we need to understand how these viruses interact with bacteria and the animal's immune system, and we need better ways to test them in real-life situations. For immunomodulators (products that tweak the immune system), we need to figure out exactly how they work and how to measure their success. For the microbiome, we need to learn how different animals' gut bacteria change with age and diet, and how we can use that knowledge to prevent disease.
Crucially, the paper also highlights the hurdles that stop these ideas from becoming real products. The experts pointed out that the rules for approving new animal health products are often confusing or fragmented, making it hard for companies to invest. There's also a lack of clear data showing that these new alternatives are worth the cost. The paper suggests that to fix this, we need better communication between scientists, regulators, and the private sector. We need to talk early and often to make sure the research being done actually leads to products that can be sold and used.
The authors emphasize that this roadmap is a living document, built on the collective wisdom of a diverse group of stakeholders. It's not a magic wand that solves everything overnight, but it provides a clear, agreed-upon path forward. By aligning research investments and focusing on the most critical gaps, the global community can work together to develop safe and effective alternatives to antimicrobials. This, in turn, helps protect our animals, our food supply, and our own health from the growing threat of drug-resistant superbugs. The paper concludes that this kind of teamwork is essential; without it, we risk getting stuck in the past, relying on tools that are slowly losing their power. With it, we have a chance to build a smarter, more resilient future for animal health.
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