Pakistan, ICARS Sign MoU to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry Sector
USD 540,855 Project to Test Antibiotic Alternatives on 30 Poultry Farms
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain Emphasizes Responsible Antibiotic Use, Scientific Research and National Food Security
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) and the Denmark-based International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Pakistan’s livestock and poultry sectors.
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Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain attended the virtual signing ceremony, along with senior ministry officials, ICARS representatives and researchers.
Under the agreement, ICARS will fund a three-year research project worth USD 540,855, led by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with the Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said that antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to human and animal health, food security and agricultural productivity.
He emphasized that responsible antibiotic use and evidence-based interventions were essential for sustainable livestock production. He appreciated ICARS and the Government of Denmark for supporting Pakistan’s efforts to address AMR through the One Health approach.
The Minister stressed that scientific research must deliver practical benefits to farmers and contribute to Pakistan’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
He appreciated Principal Investigator Dr. Mashkoor Mohsin Gillani and the research team at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, along with the Ministry’s Animal Health Technical Focal Person, Dr. Syed Muzammil Hassan Gillani, for their contributions.
Helle Engslund Krarup, Executive Director of ICARS, said that the partnership would generate scientific evidence on alternatives to antibiotics and help reduce antimicrobial use and resistance in Pakistan’s poultry industry.
She emphasized that the Ministry’s continued leadership would be essential for expanding successful interventions across the sector.
Rodolphe Mader, Senior Science Advisor, Veterinary Sciences, ICARS , explained that the project would test organic acids as a potential alternative to antibiotics through a randomized controlled trial involving 30 poultry farms, with 15 farms receiving the intervention and 15 serving as controls.
He said the research would assess antibiotic consumption, antimicrobial resistance, poultry health and farm performance, with a target of reducing antimicrobial treatments by at least 20 percent without compromising productivity.
The project will also evaluate the economic feasibility of adopting antibiotic alternatives and generate evidence to support wider implementation across Pakistan’s poultry industry.
Concluding the ceremony, Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen national research capacity, improve antimicrobial stewardship and pave the way for further collaboration in livestock and poultry development.
