Collaborations often serve as catalysts for groundbreaking discoveries. This rings especially true for a recent endeavor led by Dr. Edward Dudley and a team of researchers from Penn State University, alongside collaborators in Puerto Rico. Their mission? To confront the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the realm of dairy farming in Puerto Rico.
At the heart of this collaborative effort are the dedicated individuals comprising the research team:
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Undergraduate Researchers: Zoe Gold Blum and Aaron Horac, two undergraduates, have been pivotal in investigating the presence of foodborne pathogens in wastewater treatment facilities. Their recent breakthrough, spotlighting the isolation of Salmonella strains from such facilities, underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring potential health hazards.
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Graduate Researchers: Sharon IIs Miranda, Anna, Erin Naraki, Jay Fang, and Edwin Lopez, among others, bring diverse expertise to the table. From genomics to antimicrobial resistance, each graduate student plays a vital role in advancing the project's objectives.
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Collaborators: Dr. Jiro Malz Asedo from the University of Puerto Rico and Dr. Jaime Crello, an extension specialist, have provided invaluable insights into dairy farming practices and disease management. Their collaborative efforts have enriched the project's scope and guided its trajectory.
The project's genesis can be traced back to an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program, designed to provide hands-on research opportunities to undergraduates from various academic backgrounds. Sharon and Paula Lopez, two participants in the program, brought with them strains of E. coli isolated from dairy farms in Puerto Rico. This marked the inception of an exploration into the intricate interplay between farming practices, AMR, and microbial genomics.
Through meticulous genome sequencing and phenotypic analysis, the team unearthed intriguing patterns of antimicrobial resistance among E. coli isolates. Notably, calves fed with waste milk exhibited a higher prevalence of resistance compared to those fed with bulk tank milk. This finding underscores the profound impact of farming practices on microbial populations and underscores the urgency of targeted interventions.
Buoyed by these initial insights, the team secured funding from the USDA to expand their research endeavors. The project now encompasses three core objectives:
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Surveillance: Conducting biannual visits to 20 dairy farms in Puerto Rico to assess the prevalence of AMR and identify factors contributing to its emergence.
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Education and Training: Engaging a cohort of 16 undergraduates in hands-on research activities and bioinformatic analyses. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in AMR research and promote sustainable farming practices.
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Community Engagement: Developing "train the trainer" programs to disseminate knowledge and best practices among dairy farm managers. By leveraging local expertise, the project seeks to foster enduring changes in antimicrobial use and farm management practices.
Through these multifaceted approaches, the research team endeavors to make meaningful strides in combating AMR in dairy farming. By bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and on-the-ground realities, they aspire to safeguard both animal health and public health.
In conclusion, this collaborative research initiative serves as a testament to the power of cooperation in addressing complex challenges. As the project unfolds, it stands poised to deliver tangible solutions and inspire a renewed sense of hope in the ongoing fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Learn more about by watching the full presentation featured in the March Member Spotlight.