FAO and USAID in collaboration with Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has organized a 3 day training workshop from 23-25 July 2018 at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izzatnagar, India on determination of antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) and management of AST data using the WHO software (WHONET5.6). The training was attended by 28 scientists including three from different veterinary universities. Almost all the members of Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) attended the training which was inaugurated by Dr JK Jena, Deputy Director General (Fishery and Animal Sciences).

The training achieved three major objectives: (1) the standard operating procedure (SOP) of AST determination drafted by IVRI was discussed by the participants who made suggestions for its improvement. Help of IVRI statistician was taken to ensure that sampling sizes were statistically validated, (2) hands-on training on laboratory technique for AST determination as per FAO and WHO approved guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) of the USA and (3) hands-on training on AST data management using freely downloadable WHO software (WHONET5.6). All three objectives shall contribute to efficient operations of INFAAR.

On return to their respective institutions, all participants shall start working vigorously on AST, train their colleagues in both CLSI methodology of AST and WHONET5.6 and generate quality data. In the meanwhile, SOP shall be finalized and shared with all members of INFAAR.

FAO has assured all technical assistance in enhancing national capacity in lab based surveillance of AMR and full operationalization of INFAAR.