Developing Approaches to Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Equine population

Description

The equine industry plays a significant role in the human-animal-environment interface, providing an opportunity for the emergence and inter-species spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  Horses may be working animals kept in professional settings, but are increasingly viewed as companion animals, and have frequent direct contact with humans, as well as potential indirect contact through faecal contamination of public areas. This means that AMR in horses is important from a public health perspective as well as for animal health.

The aim of this project is to fill the existing gaps in surveillance of AMR in healthy horses to ensure representation from the general horse population, particularly focusing on commensal bacteria which can serve as reservoirs for resistance.

Project objectives include conducting and comparing the performance of several surveillance approaches to inform a strategy for the development of a representative national surveillance strategy for commensal AMR in the UK horse population. These will use a number of different data sources and populations of interest including structured sampling via veterinary visited horse populations, a citizen science approach for horse owner recruitment and targeted sampling of populations that might be hard to recruit or underrepresented. These different approaches will be compared to determine their success rate at both recruiting the desired populations, population coverage and feasibility as well as AMR prevalence.  xFaeces would be the primary sample collected and commensal E. coli would be the primary sentinel bacterial agent, however we would also archive other Gram negative bacteria on selective media used to screen for AMR. Nasal swabs will also be collected isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Isolates will undergo antimicrobial susceptibility testing using microbroth dilution and whole genome sequencing to investigate the AMR genes and strains associated with antimicrobial resistance

This studentship is ideal for a veterinary qualified candidate or candidates with a high-quality BSc degree or masters. The candidate will need to demonstrate excellent communication skills and show an interest in AMR, epidemiology and equine health. The project offers the opportunity to join a vibrant group working on AMR across animal species and to work with experts in the field to gain skills in a range of generic career and AMR research skills.

Qualifications and Experience

You should have or expect to hold an honours degree in an appropriate subject (e.g. veterinary science, bioveterinary science, biological or medical sciences, microbiology, animal science, or similar and/or relevant MSc/MRes).

The student will need to liaise with equine enterprises and veterinarians so good communication skills are essential and knowledge of the equine industry is desirable.

*Please note the English Language Requirement for EU Students is an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5.

The post will be at the Leahurst Campus location, University of Liverpool. Interviews will be held using remote methods within 2 weeks of the closing date. The anticipated start date is 1st January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The closing date is the 3rd December 2024.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to Prof Nicola Williams njwillms@liverpool.ac.uk

For application enquires please contact Prof Nicola Williams njwillms@liverpool.ac.uk