Bovine milk has shown a positive association with child growth rates, but access in Hyderabad, India, is variable and milk-borne hazards are of concern. The aim of this study was to investigate how milk value chains (VCs) in urban Hyderabad influence microbiological and toxicological milk safety and their intersection with child stunting. A mixed-methods approach was used, encompassing a thematic reflexive analysis of qualitative interviews conducted with 12 VC key informants and risk-based sampling of 42 milk, 24 animal feed and 20 water samples that were subjected to microbiological and aflatoxin testing. Key themes identified were financial instability, trust-based processes, milk safety concerns and power imbalances in the VCs. The microbiological analysis showed contamination in unpasteurized milk at various nodes, with high levels of total colony count, faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast/mould, while water used in the VCs also showed microbial contamination. A total of 67% of dairy feed samples tested positive for total aflatoxins; all of them were within Indian regulatory limits. Opportunities for safer and more nutritious milk that could help to reduce child stunting include improved food safety practices, enhanced awareness of milk-borne hazards, institutional accountability and increased agency of VC actors. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological, biomedical and environmental drivers of stunting'.

Environmental dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli is a major One Health challenge in Bangladesh. This study assessed the occurrence of third-generation cephalosporin and carbapenem-resistant E. coli across key environmental interfaces in Mymensingh. In May 2022, 28 water samples were collected from hospital wastewater, livestock effluents, aquaculture ponds, and the Khiro River. Samples were processed via the WHO Tricycle protocol, with 26 isolates undergoing whole-genome sequencing. Third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli were detected in 86% of samples, while carbapenem-resistant isolates (18%) were found exclusively in hospital and river samples. Highest ESBL-producing E. coli concentrations occurred in hospital and poultry wastewater (mean 6.9-7.1 log10 CFU/ml). Sequencing identified 93 resistance genes, dominated by blaCTX-M-15 (79%), tet(A) (75%), aadA1 (54%), qnrS1 (50%), and mph(A) (50%). Carbapenem resistance was associated with blaNDM-5 in hospital and river isolates. While most isolates showed niche-specific clustering in our Phylogenetic analysis, highly conserved core-genome profiles (0 SNPs) between hospital and downstream river isolates (ST2363/ST410) provided strong genomic evidence consistent with effluent-mediated dissemination. These findings highlight the role of wastewater and livestock systems in AMR transmission, underscoring the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance and improved waste management in Bangladesh.

The increasing use of antibiotics in livestock farming raises concerns about environmental impacts. This study examined the effects of three commonly used veterinary antibiotics - Tylosin, Enrofloxacin, and Oxytetracycline - on manure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fertilizer quality during solid manure storage. Aliquots of fresh cattle manure (10 kg) were either spiked with high or low concentrations of each antibiotic, or left untreated as Control, then incubated in open buckets for 110 days to simulate manure heaping. Emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O were measured using a static chamber with a laser spectrometer. Tylosin (High and Low) treatments and High-dose Enrofloxacin significantly increased manure N2O emissions (2.1 ± 0.2 to 2.5 ± 0.4 %), exceeding the IPCC default values of 1 % manure-N. All antibiotic treatments increased CH4 emission factors (6.4 ± 0.7 to 14.2 ± 1.1 g CH4 kg-1 VS) compared to the Control (2.2 ± 0.5 g CH4 kg-1 VS) and the IPCC default value (4.44 g CH4 kg-1 VS). Overall, antibiotic residues increased the global warming potential (GWP) of stored solid manure by 218 % compared to the Control. Despite the slightly greater nitrogen losses from increased N2O emissions, the final fertilizer quality of the manure remained unaffected by the antibiotic treatments. Besides health concerns related to antimicrobial resistance, our findings on environmental impacts call for a One Health approach to promote sustainable antibiotic use in livestock production.

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen associated with poultry production. Data comparing Salmonella occurrence and resistance patterns across poultry production systems in Uganda remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence, serovar diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility, and genetic diversity of Salmonella isolated from semi-intensive poultry farms in Wakiso district and predominantly backyard, free-range poultry farms in Soroti district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 402 boot sock samples were collected from 402 farms and cultured for Salmonella. Isolates were confirmed to the genus-level using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against eight antibiotics using disc diffusion, and whole-genome sequencing was used for serovar determination, multi-locus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance gene detection. Overall, Salmonella prevalence was 7.7% (31/402) with no statistically significant difference between semi-intensive farms in Wakiso (8.0%; 16/200) and predominantly free-range farms in Soroti (7.4%; 15/202). Eighteen distinct serovars and multiple STs were identified, demonstrating substantial genetic diversity. Phenotypic resistance was uncommon in both sampled farm groups. Among isolates from free-range farms in Soroti only one isolate expressed resistant to tetracycline, and in semi-intensive farms, one isolate was resistant to tetracycline, and two isolates were resistant to both tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Whole genome sequencing revealed a broader resistome among isolates from semi-intensive farms, including tet(A), sul3, qnrS13, cmlA1, dfrA12, and mef(B), while most isolates from free-range farms carried only the intrinsic aac(6′)-Iaa gene. Encouragingly, both Salmonella occurrence and AMR levels were low overall, although the detection of acquired AMR genes in some isolates supports the need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, biosecurity improvement and continued surveillance.

Undeclared antibiotics in poultry feed contribute to exposure to antimicrobial drug residues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where routine surveillance is limited by cost and laboratory constraints. Conventional analytical screening requires specialised equipment, making rapid, accessible alternatives valuable. This study evaluated the feasibility of re-purposing qualitative antibiotic screening techniques, originally developed and validated for milk, in rapid, multi-residue antibiotic detection in broiler feed after specialised sample pre-treatment. A microbial inhibition assay and three lateral-flow tests were validated through CCβ determination, stability assessment, and false-positive evaluation. Blank feed samples (pellets, mash, and crumbles) from three Belgian suppliers were spiked using milk detection limits, and 124 Kenyan commercial broiler feed samples (November - December 2022) were screened. CCβ values were established for twelve antibiotic classes. The inhibition assay offered broad detection but higher CCβ values (200 to > 100,000 µg/kg) than rapid tests (3-800 µg/kg). Rapid tests produced no false positives; the inhibition assay had one false positive in 30 samples (3.3%). Extracted samples remained stable for 24 h at 4 ± 2 °C, and frozen controls performed consistently. LC-MS/MS confirmed tylosin, quinolones, and five sulphonamides in 12 of 124 field samples. These methods, currently validated for use in milk, reliably detected multiple antibiotic classes in broiler feed, showing promise as practical monitoring tools for antibiotic contamination or carryover in feed in resource-limited settings.

Fixed-dose combination (FDC) antibiotics are commonly used in animal health; however, their use faces increasing scrutiny due to concerns about unproven efficacy, inappropriate dosing, safety and limited regulatory oversight. We reviewed veterinary drug registries from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, identifying 2339 registered products, of which 867 (37.1

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly reported in wildlife, yet evidence from Africa remains fragmented. We conducted a systematic review of AMR in African wildlife, screening 4,802 records and including 61 studies from 21 countries. Phenotypic testing was performed in all studies, primarily using disk diffusion (82%), with genotypic assays in 86.8%. Across 4,669 bacterial isolates from 27 eligible studies, the pooled prevalence of phenotypic resistance was 59% (95% CI: 34–80%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 97.4%). Wild birds exhibited the highest pooled prevalence (93%), followed by non-human primates (35%) and herbivores (25%). Escherichia coli (20 studies and 3414 isolates) showed a pooled resistance prevalence of 62%. Pooled multidrug resistance was 23.1% (9 studies and 1128 isolates). Sampling was predominantly opportunistic and concentrated in human-impacted environments, limiting ecological inference. These findings highlight significant AMR occurrence across diverse wildlife taxa and substantial gaps in surveillance, coverage, and methodological consistency.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli represents a critical public health threat, yet their genomic characteristics in community settings remain poorly described. We sequenced 77 multidrug-resistant isolates from children (n = 59), livestock (n = 17), and food (n = 1) in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. Phylogenetic analysis revealed polyphyletic diversity across phylogroups and sequence types without host-specific clustering. We detected high-risk lineages ST69 (n = 5) and ST131 (n = 2) among children. Nearly all isolates carried extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes, including blaCTX-M-15 and blaOXA-1, with resistance spanning nine antibiotic classes. Network analysis revealed a stable multidrug-resistance cluster (blaTEM-1B, aph(3)-Ib, aph(6)-Id, sul2, tetA) shared across hosts. Virulence-associated gene profiling showed 34 enteric-associated determinants, with children's isolates carrying significantly more genes than livestock (mean 6.4 vs. 4.2, p = 0.001). The presence of virulent, multidrug-resistant lineages in apparently healthy community carriers highlights a potential reservoir of multidrug-resistant diarrheagenic-associated pathogenic potential outside hospitals. These findings underscore urgent need for genomic surveillance, stewardship and WASH to interrupt transmission of high-risk E. coli clones.

Subclinical mastitis is a major cause of economic loss and antimicrobial use in dairy cattle globally. In Kenyan smallholder systems, limited evidence on somatic cell counts (SCC), mastitis pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance patterns constrains effective control strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 320 lactating cows from 119 smallholder farms in a peri-urban Kenyan county. Quarter milk samples (n = 1261) were cultured for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. SCC was measured in 863 samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and regression models used to identify animal- and farm-level factors associated with SCC variation. Elevated SCCs were associated with reduced teat-end clearance (< 30 cm, β = 3.1, p = 0.04), mid-lactation (β = 1.56, p = 0.03) and late-lactation (β = 1.7, p = 0.02), and higher parity (≥ 4 lactations; β = 2.1, p = 0.005). At farm level, increased SCC was associated with wet or muddy floors (β = 2.16, p = 0.001) and routine antimicrobial dry-cow therapy (β = 1.59, p = 0.02). Of 1251 samples, 67.8% showed growth on blood agar and 1% on MacConkey agar. Streptococcus agalactiae predominated (72.1%), followed by Streptococcus uberis (10.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (2.1%), and Escherichia coli (4.2%). Streptococcus spp. were susceptible to penicillins (100%), while tetracycline resistance was widespread in Streptococcus spp. (89.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (100%), and Escherichia coli (33.3%). Integrated control strategies targeting milking hygiene, environmental management, and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to reduce infection pressure and sustain productivity.

Background Effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation requires systematic mapping of existing evidence to identify gaps and guide priorities. In Tanzania, the scope, focus, and alignment of AMR research with the National Action Plan on AMR (AMR-NAP) have not been systematically assessed. We conducted a systematic landscape and bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed AMR research conducted in Tanzania. Methods Medline, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 23, 2025. Eligible studies reported original AMR data from human, animal, or environmental contexts. Studies were mapped by One Health sectors, pathogen groups, and AMR-NAP objectives. Thematic patterns were examined using co-occurrence network analysis. Findings We included 799 studies. Annual publication output increased significantly after 2004 (p < 0.0001), with AMR domain-specific change points for antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral resistance in 2006, 2001, and 2012, respectively. Most studies focused on antibacterial resistance (66.3%, 530/799), followed by antiparasitic (18.8%,150/799), antiviral (13.9%, 111/799), and antifungal (1.0%, 8/799). Research was dominated by human health studies (88.5%, 707/799), with limited animal (7.0%, 56/799) and environmental (1.6%, 13/799) representation; only 2.9% (23/799) integrated more than one sector. Among 496 pathogen-specific studies, 148 taxa were reported, but research focused on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, HIV, and Plasmodium spp. Most studies aligned with the AMR-NAP objective of surveillance and research (72.1%), while stewardship, infection prevention, governance, and economic analyses were underrepresented. Funding was predominantly external (91.9%, 578/629). Interpretation Tanzania’s AMR evidence base has grown but remains imbalanced, requiring cross-sectoral, intervention-focused research to guide policy. Funding French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abstract Background Village chicken production is central to rural livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa. However, the poor biosecurity and hygiene observed in the chicken flocks, coupled with the limited access of farmers to veterinary services, provide favorable conditions for the persistence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as Salmonella spp. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella in village chicken flocks; quantify fecal bacterial loads; and identify household – and flock-level risk factors associated with Salmonella spp. infection in the Boussouma commune in rural Burkina Faso. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 73 poultry-keeping households. Cecal contents were collected from 292 indigenous chickens following humane euthanasia. Laboratory analysis was carried out using the ISO 6579:2012 standard methods. Quantification of Salmonella spp. In fecal matters, it was done using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Structured household interviews captured data on poultry management, hygiene practices, flock characteristics, and household demographics. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to assess associations between household- and flock-level practices with Salmonella spp. presence and bacterial load. Results The animal-level prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken faeces was 57.2% (95% CI: 51.5–62.9). Salmonella spp. loads in faeces ranged from 0.03 to 10.99 MPN/g (mean = 0.63 MPN/g). In multivariate logistic regression, lack of access to veterinary care (OR = 3.77; p = 0.001), on-site accumulation of poultry manure (OR = 5.61; p = 0.011), and burial of dead chickens within the household compound (OR = 1.92; p = 0.024) were associated with increased odds of infection. Protective factors included improved access to water (OR = 0.46; p = 0.020) and removal of manure from the household environment (OR = 0.44; p = 0.013). Chickens from male-headed households had lower odds of infection (OR = 0.22; p = 0.029). Higher Salmonella spp. loads were associated with poor hygiene, limited water access, and lack of veterinary care. Conclusion The findings highlight critical, context-specific points of intervention for reducing zoonotic transmission risks at the animal-household interface. Targeted community-level hygiene promotion, improved water access, safer carcass and manure management, and strengthening of village-level veterinary services are essential to mitigate public health risks linked to village poultry production.

This study addresses the limited information on use of antimicrobials and other chemical use in commercial tilapia farms in Bangladesh. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2022 in the Mymensingh district, a major tilapia production hub. Nearly half of the farms (46.6%) experienced fish mortality during the last production cycle, and 75.0% of farmers did not seek professional assistance during disease outbreaks. Among those who did, 68.0% relied on chemical or drug suppliers for guidance rather than veterinary experts. Biosecurity practices were inadequate, with 98.3% not implementing four basic monitored measures: disinfection of vehicles, footwear, hands, and equipment. Awareness of antimicrobial use (AMU) risks among respondents was low, with 56.0% unaware of its negative impacts and 88.8% unfamiliar with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic use was low, with only 15.5% of farms reporting antibiotic treatments, primarily oxytetracycline hydrochloride (23.8%), enrofloxacin (19.0%), and erythromycin-sulphadiazine-trimethoprim (19.0%). However, other chemicals with antimicrobial properties, such as disinfectants, were more commonly applied, reported by 39.7% of farms for disease management. The use of both antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial medicine varied significantly by location, being significantly less likely observed in Tarakanda (p < 0.05) and Fulbaria (p < 0.01), suggesting location-specific differences in disease management. The presence of clinical signs was significantly associated with increased use of both antimicrobials, non-antimicrobial medicine and use of overall aquamedicine (p < 0.001), while longer cultivation durations showed a weak association with reduced AMU. Imprudent use of antimicrobials and other chemicals may pose One Health risks, including disruption of pond microbial ecosystems, AMR development, chemical residues, and occupational hazards. In-depth qualitative studies are needed to further understand and optimize antimicrobial and other chemical use practices and determine how tilapia farmers may benefit from improved biosecurity, training, and veterinary access.

Veterinary diagnostic laboratories are crucial in managing animal infections, disease surveillance, and supporting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stewardship. We assessed the AMR testing capacity of veterinary diagnostic laboratories in Kenya and explored the level of awareness and use of these services. Data was collected through focus group discussions, individual and key informant interviews on access to diagnostic services, and the regulatory framework for veterinary laboratories. The FAO ATLASS survey tool was also used to assess the veterinary laboratory capacity for AMR surveillance. Between October 2023 and February 2024, we engaged farmers (n = 86) and animal health service providers (AHSPs) (n = 40) from Kiambu and Kajiado counties, regulatory authorities (n = 2), and laboratory managers (n = 11) from both public and private veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Ordinal data from the FAO-ATLASS tool were summarized descriptively, while qualitative data from interviews and discussions were thematically analyzed. Kenyan veterinary laboratories are categorized into public and private, and both are regulated by the Kenya Veterinary Board. In the four assessed areas, quality assurance scored the highest mean (57.58

Livestock across the globe are frequently infected with multiple gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) species, and the use of anthelmintics remains a cornerstone of their control. However, anthelmintic resistance (AHR) poses a growing threat to sustainable livestock production, resulting in reduced productivity and compromised animal health and welfare. Reports of resistance in various helminth species against multiple anthelmintic classes exist in African livestock; however, studies summarising the extent and burden of this resistance are limited, and systematic monitoring or surveillance efforts are largely absent across the continent. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review to evaluate the current status of AHR in African livestock. Our systematic search yielded 357 original studies, 28 met the eligibility criteria, covering nine countries and spanning from 1996 to 2024. All studies involved cattle and/or small ruminants, focusing primarily on two anthelmintic classes—benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones—and two gastrointestinal nematode genera: Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus. Resistance was reported across most of the studies, although reported prevalence rates were highly heterogeneous, varying considerably with anthelmintic class, livestock species, and geographic location. We observed variability in study methodologies, including differences in faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) design, sampling intervals, dosage regimens, and reporting quality, which potentially limits comparability across countries and restricts epidemiological insight. These findings highlight the urgent need to more accurately quantify the burden of AHR and to establish coordinated surveillance systems across Africa. Equally important is the development of sustainable parasite control strategies and the promotion of responsible anthelmintic use to preserve the efficacy of existing drugs.

Introduction:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health priority. This systematic review summarizes the prevalence of AMR in enteric pathogens originating from the community, specifically among ≤10-year-old children in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, it presents the proportions of pooled resistance in Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. (CESS) to clinically relevant antibiotics. Methods:Six online repositories, namely PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CABI, and EMBASE were searched for articles published between January 2005 and September 2024. Random-effects meta-analysis models were constructed to estimate the pooled AMR proportions for CESS pathogens, and a subgroup analysis by region was also carried out. Results:A total of 64 publications from 23 LMICs met our inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates of E. coli AMR for clinically important antibiotics were as follows: sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT) 71% [95%CI: 57-82%]; ampicillin (AMP) 56% [95%CI: 44-67%]; ciprofloxacin (CIP) 10% [95%CI: 5-20%]; and ceftriaxone (CRO) 8% [95%CI: 2-31%]. The proportions of AMR detected in Shigella spp. were AMP 76% [95%CI: 60-87%]; nalidixic acid (NA) 9% [95%CI: 2-31%]; CIP 3% [95%CI: 0-15%]; and CRO 2% [95%CI: 0-19%]. The proportions of Salmonella spp. AMR were AMP 55% [95%CI: 35-73%] and SXT 25% [95%CI: 15-38%]. The proportions of Campylobacter spp. AMR were erythromycin (ERY) 33% [95%CI: 12-64%] and CIP 27% [95%CI: 8-61%]. There was high variability in the regional subgroup analysis, with high interstudy and regional heterogeneity I2 ≥ 75%. Conclusion:Our results shed light on drug-resistant enteric bacterial pathogens in young children, providing evidence that CESS pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to clinically important antimicrobials. Regional differences in resistance patterns between these community isolates highlight the need for strong national and regional surveillance to detect regional variations and inform treatment and appropriate antibiotic stewardship programs. The limitations of our findings include high regional variability, significant interstudy heterogeneity, and underrepresentation of certain LMICs. Systematic review registration:https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-2-0051/, registration number: INPLASY202420051.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human and animal health, associated with widespread use of antimicrobials across sectors. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Malawi, weak regulatory frameworks and limited enforcement capacity contribute to inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study examined the governance and regulatory frameworks for antimicrobial use (AMU) in Malawi's agricultural sector, identified regulatory gaps, and offers recommendations to antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: A qualitative approach was used, combining a review of policy and legal documents with semi-structured stakeholder interviews. Relevant policies and laws were sourced from government databases, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations' (FAO) FAOLEX and AMR-LEX databases, and other publicly available resources. The FAO's legal assessment methodology was used to evaluate the policy landscape across nine key thematic areas: (1) veterinary medicinal products, (2) animal health and production practices to prevent animal diseases in terrestrial and aquatic animals, (3) feed registration, (4) pesticides, (5) food safety, (6) environment, soil and waste, (7) water quality, (8) plant health, and (9) institutional coordination. Stakeholder interviews with representatives from relevant government ministries and regulatory bodies validated findings from the document review and provided additional insight into governance challenges. A One Health governance mapping exercise was conducted to identify key institutional actors, assess their role in AMR/AMU governance, and evaluate inter-institutional relationships using social network analysis. Results: The analysis identified 522 policies relevant to AMU in agriculture, with most addressing aquatic animal health (11.3 %, n = 59), food safety (10.9 %, n = 57) and animal feed (10.9 %, n = 57). Several critical regulatory gaps were identified, including the absence of a legal definition for “antimicrobials,” a national essential veterinary medicines list, and standardized veterinary treatment guidelines. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the use of critically important antimicrobials for human health in veterinary settings, minimal oversight of antimicrobial-medicated feed, and no established protocols for on-farm antimicrobial disposal. Stakeholder mapping revealed limited knowledge sharing among institutions and a dependence on international donors for AMR/AMU-related activities, raising concerns about the sustainability of current initiatives. Malawi also lacks an integrated AMR and AMU monitoring system, a national prioritised AMR research agenda, and clear targets for reducing AMU in animals. Conclusion: To address these gaps, we recommend that Malawi: (1) establish a comprehensive AMR and AMU monitoring program, (2) update existing regulations to provide clear definitions and classification of veterinary antimicrobials, (3) develop and implement national veterinary treatment guidelines, (4) restrict non-therapeutic AMU, (5) enhance regulatory oversight of medicated feed, (6) strengthen One Health coordination mechanisms, (7) promote stakeholder collaboration, and (8) secure sustainable, nationally driven funding. Implemention of these measures will enhance antimicrobial stewardship, reduce AMU, mitigate the spread of AMR, and support the long-term sustainability of agricultural production in Malawi.

BackgroundTo promote gender mainstreaming in future AMR research projects and policy implementation within livestock and other systems, researchers need to embrace gender-responsive research methodologies. Ignoring gender considerations can lead to unsustainable interventions and exacerbate existing equity gaps. Incorporating gender analysis is crucial for identifying data collection needs and opportunities to develop gender-responsive research programs and policies.ObjectivesWe have developed a conceptual framework and a set of research questions designed to enhance the gender-responsiveness of AMR research in livestock systems.MethodsA narrative review previously identified three key entry points for gender dynamic impacting AMR in agricultural systems: gendered antimicrobial resistance exposure, gendered antimicrobial use and gendered outcomes of antimicrobial resistance infections. This information was then analyzed using a health system gender framework. Combining these insights, we developed a comprehensive list of research questions.ResultsWe developed comprehensive list of gender-related questions. Given the limited understanding of how gender dynamics and norms influence AMR, we have primarily proposed qualitative, exploratory questions. These questions are categorized into two types: integrated and strategic. Integrated questions offer a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and norms in livestock systems with the aim of improving them, while strategic questions focus on gender-related issues in livestock as entry points, highlighting some of the mechanisms behind these gender issues to progress towards gender equality.ConclusionAs gender-analysis in livestock research gains prominence, there is an increasing expectation for AMR researchers to integrate gender considerations into their work. This framework provides a starting point for researchers aiming to enhance gender inclusivity and considerations in AMR research within livestock systems. The next phase of our project will involve applying this framework in the field, where a real-life application will enable its validation and further refinement.

The last comprehensive Scientific and Technical Review issue on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the animal health sector was published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2012 [1]. At that time, AMR was recognised as a growing concern, but its visibility in the political arena was limited, and its economic and environmental dimensions were less clearly articulated. Much has changed in the intervening 13 years. AMR is now widely acknowledged as one of the most pressing global health threats, sitting alongside climate change and pandemic preparedness in its scope and urgency. This Review issue arrives at a pivotal moment to take stock of progress, lessons learnt and the path forward. This Review issue is structured into five interconnected sections, designed to reflect the breadth of the challenge: – Section 1: Understanding AMR. Articles address the impacts of AMR across health, economic and environmental dimensions; cross-sectoral transmission dynamics; and implications for food safety, animal production and trade. – Section 2: Monitoring and surveillance. This section reviews current surveillance systems, integrated initiatives at national and regional levels, and innovations to strengthen monitoring of AMU and AMR. – Section 3: Interventions. This section focuses on prevention and stewardship, covering biosecurity, vaccination, diagnostics, alternatives to antibiotics, stewardship, and the socio-economic evaluation of interventions. – Section 4: Sector-specific challenges and advances. Articles examine AMR in livestock, aquaculture, companion animals and wildlife, recognising both sectoral specificities and cross-sectoral linkages. – Section 5: Cross-cutting themes. The final section explores governance, economics, stakeholder engagement and environmental dimensions, highlighting the broader systems context within which AMR evolves. Collectively, these sections are designed to provide a ‘state of the art’ synthesis, one that is evidence-informed, globally relevant and forward-looking.