Disseminating Innovative Solutions for Antibiotic Resistance Management (DISARM)

Best practice strategies to reduce the use of antimicrobials in both intensive and grazing livestock farming form the basis for the thematic network DISARM. The focus of this project is to develop a network to link together farmers, veterinarians, advisors, industry members and researchers to codify, disseminate and promote such best practices. The aim is a prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in livestock farming, in order to reduce antimicrobial resistance in livestock farming.

Given the focus of the network on dissemination and communication and the actual application of the best strategies per region and branch of livestock farming, a multi-actor approach forms the basis for the working process in the project. Central to the development of the thematic network is the development and rollout of a Community of Practice (CoP). This is a virtual online meeting place where the different actors can meet to exchange knowledge and information and to discuss ideas. In addition, a toolbox for the initiation of farm-specific health teams will be developed in a separate work package. These health teams can apply a holistic approach for the development of effective strategies to improve the farm's health status and to rationalize the use of antimicrobials. The output of the CoP and the cases studies on the farm-specific health teams form the basis for extensive and broad dissemination and communication activities in the project.

A first important achievement of the thematic network is the successful establishment and consolidation of the CoP. The target is set at 600 members from all over Europe and from different perspectives at the end of the project. Also a plan is made for the sustainable continuation of the CoP without the further need for intervention or guidance by the consortium. Based on the CoP discussions 10 "best practice guides" are drawn up, focusing on the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. These guides are  accompanied by 100 "best practice abstracts" and 100 short explanatory videos. In addition, the aim is to establish company-specific health teams at 40 farms across different livestock sectors and across the participating countries in the consortium. Based on this experience, a manual and toolbox are created for farmers who want to initiate a health team on their own farm. Regarding classic dissemination channels, the consortium aims at participation in or organization of 80 events and workshops across Europe. Finally, the consortium also aims to produce 3 annual prioritization reports with priorities for policy and research to assist the livestock industry in antimicrobial resistance management.