FAO and Chulalongkorn University co-organize the first research conference on antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use in food animals in Asia and the Pacific

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific  Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP) and the Chulalongkorn University (CU) co-organized the first-ever research conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals in Asia and the Pacific. The research conference drew more than 1 000 registrations from academics, policymakers, regulators, scientists and veterinarians in the region and beyond. 

The online conference was held from 6–8 February 2023 and highlighted the following topics:

• AMR emergence and spread in food animals in the Asia-Pacific Region: surveillance, molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics.
• AMU monitoring and alternatives to antimicrobials for AMU reduction in food animals in the Asia-Pacific Region.
• Bridging innovations and AMR mitigation in food animals.

Globally renowned AMR and AMU researchers Patrick McDermott, Timothy Walsh, Hyun Soon Lillehoj, Filip Van Immerseel, Armando Herizon and Till Bachman were featured as key speakers at the conference while 26 recognized AMR scientists presented their research findings.  A total of 49 digital e-posters of AMR and AMU research initiatives from Asia and the Pacific were also made accessible for virtual research exchanges between online sessions.  

Dr Sanipa Suradhat, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science of Chulalongkorn University, expressed hope for the outcome of the conference. “We truly believe that the AMRU Asia-Pacific 2023 will [catalyze] building a research community on AMR and AMU in the region,” Dr Suradhat explained in her remarks. 

On the other hand, FAO RAP Senior Animal Health and Production Officer, Scott Newman, encouraged participating scientists, researchers, policymakers and veterinarians to “pursue research initiatives that may lead to further improvements of policies and technical interventions in the region.” 

CU Professor Rungtip Chuanchuen led the organizing team from FAO RAP and CU Faculty of Veterinary Science that made the virtual conference possible with technical and financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).