UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The VMD seeks to commission research into this area, the objectives of which would be to: • Determine the rates of and changes in antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis over the period 2007-2022, including sensitivity testing of isolates not previously done. • Initially genotype additional bovine mastitis isolates of S. aureus by spa typing, in particular those before 2015 and after 2018. • Investigate the sharing of spa types circulating within bovine and human populations. • Select bovine mastitis and human S. aureus strains for whole genome sequencing, based on spa type, to obtain a better resolution of the population structure and determine the presence of AMR genes and host adaptation and virulence factors. Where possible, this may include following individual farms over the period of study. This contract was awarded by VMD.

The VMD wishes to determine the feasibility of expanding our air and wastewater AMR surveillance programme into the farm setting. In a short 3 week 'proof of concept' study we wish to investigate the type and prevalence of AMR genes and bacteria within the pig unit operated by NI's Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. This project was awarded by VMD.