University of Stirling receives £2.4 million to study antimicrobial resistance in Vietnamese pangasius catfish farming

The University of Stirling has received £2.4 million in funding to carry out a major international project addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Vietnam's pangasius catfish (pangasius catfish) farming industry. The project is led by Professor Margaret Crumlish of the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture and brings together experts from multiple fields to jointly develop practical alternatives to antibiotics.

This interdisciplinary four-year study will investigate how antimicrobial resistance forms in freshwater environments and affects aquaculture production, while also examining the barriers to adopting antibiotic alternatives. Researchers will work with farmers to develop a roadmap for future research aimed at identifying practical and feasible ways to address antimicrobial resistance in freshwater aquaculture.

In a press release, Crumlish said: "Aquatic environments play an important role in the formation and spread of antimicrobial resistance, and aquaculture both depends on and interacts with these ecosystems." "By focusing on Vietnam's pangasius catfish industry—one of the most important freshwater aquaculture industries in the world—we have an ideal opportunity to understand how antimicrobial resistance forms, how it affects production, and how more sustainable approaches to disease management can be achieved."

She noted: "When antibiotics are no longer effective in aquaculture, especially in freshwater systems in Southeast Asia, farmers often have few alternatives, yet they trust antibiotic products even when these products are not effective." "Over the next 48 months, we will co-create solutions with farmers, policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders, striving to ensure that any intervention is both scientifically rigorous and practically feasible."

The research builds on previous fish vaccine studies, including a recent trial at Stirling's National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub. Data from these studies will inform collaboration with stakeholders to identify feasible solutions and improve antibiotic stewardship in freshwater aquaculture.

The project will be carried out in partnership with the University of Glasgow, the University of Sydney, Can Tho University and Vietnam National University.

The funding is part of an investment of more than £54 million across 18 research and innovation projects coordinated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The initiative aims to prepare for future pandemics, address antimicrobial resistance and support the development of the next generation of animal vaccines, and is co-funded by government departments including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Department of Health and Social Care.