Katie will give a presentation on Rapid Diagnostic Development to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock at the World One Health Congress on Monday 2nd November at 10am.

Background

Rapid diagnostic tests have been suggested as a critical component of efforts to rationalise and reduce antimicrobial use in humans and animals without compromising health and wellbeing. Successful development and application of novel diagnostic tools requires both scientific innovation and understanding of relevant social, political and economic factors, including regulation. This qualitative study has identified barriers and enablers to diagnostic innovation to combat antimicrobial resistance in livestock, assessed the regulatory landscape and explored potential markets for rapid diagnostics in farmed animals.

Methods:

19 semi-structured interviews were conducted with diagnostic developers and other relevant organisations within the UK. Data were analysed using the Strategic Analysis of Advanced Technology Innovation Systems (STRATIS) framework. A qualitative model of the innovation system was created with Banxia Decision Explorer™ software.

Results

A range of novel, rapid diagnostic technologies are being developed, primarily within universities and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The anticipated value chain involves linking these organisations with multinational animal health companies, which appears to be a major challenge in commercialising rapid diagnostic tests to support responsible antimicrobial use in farm animals. Minimal regulation around rapid diagnostic tests for use in animals supports innovation due to low regulatory barriers to market entry, particularly in comparison to rapid diagnostics for human use. Increasing regulation around antimicrobial use in livestock is an important driver of diagnostic innovation in this area. However, the lack of a clear framework for test validation, difficulties in identifying an appropriate diagnostic target, and uncertainty around the market for diagnostic tests to support responsible antimicrobial use in animals are barriers to investment.

Conclusions

Few rapid diagnostic tests to support antimicrobial use decisions in livestock are available at present due to a lack of clarity in the pathway to market.

Social media Rapid diagnostic tests are being developed to support responsible antibiotic use in farm animals, but a lack of a clear market is a major barrier to commercialisation.

Find out more about how to register and hear Katie’s presentation at the virtual Congress