Source: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
INVESTIGATING THE EMERGENCE AND ECOLOGY OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN HIGH RISK BEEF CATTLE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1022218
Grant No.
2020-68015-30857
Cumulative Award Amt.
$999,998.00
Proposal No.
2019-06086
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 15, 2020
Project End Date
May 14, 2025
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[A1366]- Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain
Recipient Organization
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
LUBBOCK,TX 79409
Performing Department
Animal and Food Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has increased the pressure to find alternative means to eliminate or reduce the use of medically-important antimicrobials, particularly in the agricultural industry. Bovine respiratory disease complex is one of the costliest issues associated with feedlot cattle and is frequently combatted though metaphylactic administration of antimicrobials upon feedlot arrival. Therefore, research is needed to determine the emergence, ecology, and microbiome of AMR and develop science-based strategies to reduce the incidence of AMR throughout the beef production continuum. These studies will purse the following objectives 1) Identify a best management practice for metaphylactic antimicrobial use in high-risk cattle, 2) Implement novel science-based intervention strategy to reduce the spread of AMR in the beef cattle industry, 3) Develop systems based approaches to identify AMR reservoirs by evaluating the host-microbiome community dynamics, and 4) Improve understanding among current and future veterinarians and nutritionists of potential food safety risks associated with carriage of AMR by beef cattle and motivate them to advise producers of best practices for antimicrobial stewardship. Completion of this research will identify critical control points for controlling the development of AMR and provide usable science-based approaches to mitigate AMR in beef production. This information is critical for sustainability in the beef food supply and judicious use of antimicrobials in cattle production.
Animal Health Component
25%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
25%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
30733101040100%
Knowledge Area
307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3310 - Beef cattle, live animal;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology;
Goals / Objectives
These studies proposed will purse the following objectives : 1) Identify a best management practice for metaphylactic antimicrobial use in high-risk cattle, 2) Implement novel science-based intervention strategy to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance(AMR) in the beef cattle industry, 3) Develop systems based approaches to identify AMR reservoirs by evaluating the host-microbiome community dynamics, and 4) Improve understanding among current and future veterinarians and nutritionists of potential food safety risks associated with carriage of AMR by beef cattle and motivate them to advise producers of best practices for antimicrobial stewardship.Therefore, our first long-term goal is to characterize antimicrobial metaphylactic strategies that reduce the spread of AMR throughout the feedlot cattle production system. Our second long-term goal is to provide an alternative to tylosin phosphate to control liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. Combined, these goals will promote more judicious use antimicrobials in the beef cattle industry; thereby, reducing the spread of AMR and AMR reservoirs in bacteria important in the pathogenesis of bovine respiratory disease(BRD) in cattle and food-borne illnesses in humans. This information is critical for sustainability of the beef food supply chain and judicious use of antimicrobials in cattle production. The education and outreach activities proposed in this multidisciplinary project will deliver and evaluate outreach programs that improve the aptitude of veterinarians, nutritionists, producers and consumers to assess and adopt best management practices that mitigate potential risks from AMR. Additionally, this project will build upon an established outreach network that yields improved information transfer to consumers to increase confidence in the safety of beef products. Such information and activities are critical to improve antimicrobial stewardship and ensure a sustainable and safe food supply.
Project Methods
For research objective 1, we will evaluate baseline levels of antimicrobial resistance(AMR) gene reservoirs in high-risk cattle using 4 treatments, 1) negative control, sterile saline subcutaneous injection; 2) ceftiofur administered at 6.6 mg/kg of body weight; 3) tulathromycin administered at 2.5 mg/kg of body weight; and 4) florfenicol administered at 40 mg/kg of body weight. Each treatment will be replicated across 15 pens containing 4 animals each (n = 240 animals). The expected body weight of the cattle on arrival is 204 kg.For research objective 2, the dietary treatments will include: negative-control; 2) tylosin phosphate included at 80 mg/kg; and 3) novel direct-fed microbialfed at 1 gram of DFM mixture/animal with 107 CFU/gram All treatments will be applied from feedlot arrival up until harvest. High-risk cattle will be given conventional metaphylaxis, with the antimicrobial that incurred the least AMR in research objective 1. Each treatment will be replicated across 15 pens containing 4 animals each (n = 180 animals).Sampling. At arrival (day 0), cattle will be weighed, given a unique identification ear tag, and a fecal sample will be collected for both research objective 1 and 2. Approximately 100 grams of fecal material will be collected from the rectum using a sanitary glove/sleeve, placed in a prelabeled bag, and immediately chilled on ice. A 50-gram subsample of feces will be transferred to a sterile vial, sealed, and stored at -20°C for microbiome and targeted gene analyses. The growth performance and animal health data from research objectives 1 and 2 will be analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit in a generalized complete block design with arrival date as the blocking factor. For research objective 1 the model will include the fixed effects of metaphylactic antimicrobial treatment. For research objective 2 the model will include the fixed effects of dietary treatment. For the fecal microbial community and fecal microbiome, animal within treatment will be the subject of the repeated measures and the best fit covariance structure will be tested to determine the one that results in the smallest Akaike and Schwarz Bayesian criteria.We will use a novel targeted sequencing strategy to identify, quantify and perform ecology based informatic analysis for selected set of resistance genes on the pooled samples. We will focus on Beta-lactam resistant genes (blaTEM, cfxA, CTX-M), macrolides (ermC), and tetracycline resistant genes (tetM, tetQ, and tetW) described previously. Briefly, we will utilize universal primers described in the studies above to develop barcoded sequencing assays similar to the 16S rDNA-based assays. We will use the detailed protocol previously described to develop AMR gene sequencing assays. The forward and reverse read primers and index primers will be developed as described. Thus, in addition to gene abundance, this novel approach will provide information into the diversity and evolutionary history of AMR genes. The DNA from samples will be used for AMR gene detection library preparation using the primers developed above. The amplification conditions will be optimized using temperature gradients to generate the PCR-based tag libraries. Normalization, pooling and sequencing will be performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform as described previously using the V2, 500 cycle kit, to obtain at least 5,000 reads per sample.Our efforts include, generatingopportunities for development of research-based AMR-related educational materials. This established AMR outreach network will be instrumental in disseminating outcomes of the proposed research. The key functions of the existing iAMR ProjectTM team are to:Develop extension capacity within regions to assess needs, and to develop, deliver and evaluate extension programs for AMR/Food Safety.Develop AMR/Food Safety content where gaps exist or significant needs arise that are not being addressed regionally.Facilitate national dissemination of research-based AMR/Food Safety information via eXtension, conferences and collaborations.Coordinate evaluation of national extension resources and program impacts.Building upon the success of this existing AMR outreach program, multiple pathways for disseminating outcomes of the proposed research in this project will be utilized based upon iAMR ProjectTM successes to date. Printed and electronic outputs (social media graphics, podcasts, website content, webcasts, etc.) will be disseminated via established pathways that include iAMR Project social media accounts, a project website (www.iAMRproject.com), the eXtension Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship Community, and others. Cooperation among the team members of the proposed project and the existing outreach network is expected to result in greater sharing of science-based AMR-related information to intended audiences.Collaboration with the innovative, state-funded Texas Tech UniversitySchool ofVeterinary Medicineprovides the team a unique opportunity to disseminate best management practices to veterinary students by incorporating AMR-related food safety and veterinary use information and resources into the outcomes, competency-based curriculum. Within the horizontally and vertically integrated curriculum, concepts of AMR, judicious use of antimicrobials, disease prevention, and, more broadly, antimicrobial stewardship will be introduced in year 1 of the curriculum and built upon as the students' progress through the first three years. In the clinical year, year 4 of the curriculum, students will perform a core-elective curriculum of experiential learning within the Distributed Veterinary Learning Community (DVLC) that includes both on-campus and contractual partners. This provides ideal opportunities to students to apply their knowledge, and in this case, learned and assessed knowledge and competencies of antimicrobial stewardship, to the realities of practice environments. The goal of incorporating AMR into the curriculum is to educate veterinary students who are practice-ready and who will have the foundational knowledge, competencies, and experience to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship and use the results from research objectives 1, 2 , and 3 to decrease the use of antimicrobials when possible in livestock production and in general veterinary practice more broadly. In addition to educating veterinary students, results from the research aspects of this project, and those from elsewhere, will be developed into 2 continuing educational modules for practicing veterinarians and nutritionists. The goal of which will be to provide actional items of developing and implementing practical, implementable, and effective antimicrobial stewardship activities and programs. These workshops will be interactive and focus on veterinarians and nutritionists who are providing expertise for beef cattle. Experts in the AMR field will be brought in to disseminate the latest findings and facilitate a participant-led discussion on workable and adaptable evidence-based activities that effectively control AMR.Progress toward producing and delivering outreach products will be tracked to measure change in the amounts of available materials focused on potential AMR-related food safety and human health risks. Outputs, including the numbers of publications, presentations, etc. resulting from outreach activities will be tracked, as will the extents of social media and website content distribution. Downloads of and visits to online materials through the project website will be tracked to assess usage of these materials as part of this project. Post-pre surveys will be implemented through the project website to quantify change over time in website users' awareness, knowledge, and behaviors related to AMR-related food safety and human health risks.

Progress 05/15/24 to 05/14/25

Outputs
Target Audience:The team's outreach efforts to promote understanding of AMR have been 2-fold, through the Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine and through the iAMResponsible Activities. Our target audiences for AMR and potential action they can use were livestock producers, food safety experts, extension educators, consumers, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers. Approximately 5,000 persons are following one of more of the iAMResponsible Project social media accounts with strong representation by medical professionals, educators, and AMR researchers worldwide. Engagement events (defined as user exploring or liking or saring content) for social media totaled 5100 in 2024 and thus far in 2025. Our AMR content has been incorporated into Public Health and Food Safety to the 2nd year Veterinary Medicine students (99 students in the class) and the class has been taught 3-times thus far. Likewise, content has been incorporated into the Ph.D. program in One Health Sciences and the M.S. program in Veterinary Sciences. Lastly, the AMR content has been incorporated into a Food Safety course for graduate students at the Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period 1 PhD student (Nafisa Lubna) and 2 undergraduate students (Jillian Bailey and Alexis Sampson) developed or refined STEM communication skills by contributing to the development and distribution of educational materials for the iAMResponsible social networks and educational library. The continued expansion of media development by the iAMResponsible team has required team members Bethany Zelt and Mara Zelt to develop new expertise in video production, audio production, and graphic design, utilizing programs such as Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, and database management capacity in Airtable. For the reporting period, 2 M.S. students participated in scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and further developed their STEM skills through attending classes at the Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center at Texas Tech University. Furthermore, veterinary students at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine have developed new expertise in antimicrobial resistance by incorporating AMR content into the Public Health and Food Safety class for 2nd year veterinary students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Primary dissemination for the iAMResponsible team has been via social media, and other online publications, in course materials, and at professional, educational, and community events. Scientific content has been disseminated at conferences, stakeholder meetings, veterinary medicine conferences, and through content incorporation at the TTU School of Veterinary Medicine. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NA - Final Report

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Core to the iAMResponsible team's mission is translating and transferring technical, scientific information into accessible and enjoyable educational materials for a wide variety of agricultural and food-safety related audiences. During the past year the team significantly expanded their video production capabilities - seeking to engage with audiences in short-form videos for distribution on social media platforms. These videos are not just a preferred communication style for younger audiences, we have observed participants of wide variety of age and demographic cohorts seeking out and engaging with short form visual storytelling. To meet this demand the team joined TikTok and increased their emphasis on this new style of video production for AMR information. As a result, iAMResponsible short video (0:30 to 1:30 min in length) videos has been watched for just under 100 hours (94.3) across all platforms during the past reporting period. During the past year the team has completed all research associated with the research portion of the grant. Likewise, we published 1 peer reviewed paper in 2024 and 1 in 2025 so that all of the research associated with the project has been published.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-05-20. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Poster Presentation]. 2024 NIAMRRE Annual Conference. Columbus, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Palala-Martinez, Hector, Zelt, Mara, Zelt, Beth, Oviedo-Ventura, Maria Jose, and Schmidt, Amy. 2024-06-20. Empowering Youth to Create a Healthier Future Through STEM Education About Antimicrobial Resistance. [Proceedings Paper]. 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. Portland, OR. https://nemo.asee.org/public/conferences/344/papers/44540
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-06-18. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Poster Presentation]. 2024 Farm Foundation Roundtable Meetings. Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-07-29. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Oral Presentation]. 2024 Annual ASABE International Conference. Anaheim, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, and Schmidt, Amy. 2024-04-09. Community Engagement to Mitigate Transmission of Infectious Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance from Backyard Poultry [Poster presentation]. Waste to Worth 2025, Boise ID.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Schmidt, Amy. 2025. Community Engagement to Mitigate Transmission of Infectious Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance from Backyard Poultry. [Proceedings Paper] Proceedings of 2025 Waste to Worth. https://lpelc.org/community-engagement-to-mitigate-transmission-of-infectious-diseases-and-antibiotic-resistance-from-backyard-poultry/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-05-17. Rising Through the Ranks: A Young Fungus Lieutenant's Journey in the War on Humans [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/y3Nr6TyioV8
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-06-19. Meet E. Coli: The Bacteria Living Lavishly in Your Gut [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qloPZlJjIrs
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lanwermann, Saskia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-06-19. Stop Superbugs: 4 Ways to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ScENO1CLObw
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 8. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-27. Antibiotic Resistance in Beef Production A Growing Threat ?? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/lG6COL2hi_Q
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 9. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-28. Antibiotics Under Attack: How Bacteria Are Fighting Back [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/HGTMLDJ8xgg?feature=share 10. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Why Antibiotics Can't Stop the FluAnd What You Can Do [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/pssIPoDZr9Y 11. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Interview with a Campylobacter [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/GHUxiXYu1FE 12. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Antibiotics: Not a Cure-AllKnow When to Use Them [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ot5SEu7zH_M 13. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-04. The Ripple Effect of Antibiotic Resistance: Why It Matters to You [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/EK760pUI7fA 14. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-05. Antibiotic Resistance: Are we misusing the Magic Bullet?? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/puzoMyDwiwE 15. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-05. Reusing Medications: A Risk You Cant Afford to Take [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/GlH0zxsCDtE 16. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-10. How Antibiotic Resistance is Impacting Wildlife and Ecosystems [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/oHbNtOAGd-w 17. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-10. Why New Antibiotics Take Years to Developand Why It Matters [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/oOetdNMfQcY 18. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-11. Antibiotic Resistance in Our Water: The Role of Wastewater [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ig9I-I52ZYM 19. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-13. Get Vaccinated [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/rGvMgxcALEw 20. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-13. Are Your Antimicrobial Products Making Superbugs Stronger? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/z4pPieJ-5y4 21. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-10-11. Fighting Superbugs with Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/5fwRMD0Nc5Y 22. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-10-11. The Rise of Gonorrhea: How Antibiotic Resistance Became Its Secret Weapon [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9qLyFR0belk 23. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-12-06. Want to help fight against Antibiotic Resistance? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/P7AFmdDj8sE 24. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-12-16. Antibiotic Resistance Explainedand What You Can Do [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/5LoUI2O3Oag 25. Lubna, Nafisa, Zelt, Mara, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-03. The Power of Clean Hands: Stopping Infections Before They Start [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/jMogt7cJR0o 26. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. The (super) power of clean hands [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/b6CpERBsx4Y 27. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in Kids [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/JvjNZH0nXsw 28. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Needed: Urgent action against antimicrobial resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/S0AtcQOB0n4 29. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Survey of US Doctors shows stewardship is needed [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/MVEoRIZJFl4
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Education Aid or Curricula (or Websites) The iAMResponsible Project has six primary online (TikTok added Nov 2024) outlets for the regular distribution of newly developed outreach and educational materials with a total audience of almost 6000 (5,761 as of 04/23/2025). During the reporting period audiences interacting with these digital platforms engaged (liked, shared, viewed video, or followed link) with iAMResponsible materials on more than 12,000 (12,556) occasions: " Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_AMResponsible " Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAMResponsibleEDU " Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamresponsibleedu/ " YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cO1Gr80Y8skUWYk_try3g " TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_amresponsible " Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/iamresponsible.bsky.social " Website: iamrproject.com
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 4. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-07-31. Tuberculosis Tales: A Chat on Survival and Resistance [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/iMZ7yct4CAk
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-08. Pertussis: The Bacteria that Became a Hero [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PiEwbK3ESDs
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 6. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-20. Save Our Animals: The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ekT_w_U-4z4
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-26. Fighting the Silent Pandemic [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/FI7GHKuU5DE
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: A database of approximately 600 (including 91 new social media graphics developed during the reporting period) ready to use social media graphics, educational videos, and infographics which have previously been shared via one of the social media outlets are also available to the public and other educators at: https://lpelc.org/antimicrobial-resistance-resource-library/
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hoffman, A. A., S. C. Fernando, J. E. Wells, D. R. Woerner, J. L. Manahan, N. S. Long, Z. S. McDaniel, T. M. Smock, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, P. R. Broadway, and K. E. Hales. The use of a novel direct-fed microbial as an alternative for tylosin phosphate to control liver abscesses and decrease antimicrobial use in finishing beef steers. Accepted to Appl. Anim. Sci. 40:307-317. 2024.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hoffman, A. A., S. C. Fernando, J. E. Wells, N. S. Long, Z. S. McDaniel, T. M. Smock, P. R. Broadway, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, and K. E. Hales. Effects of a novel direct-fed microbial on occurrences of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in finishing beef steers. J. Food Protec. 88:100484. 2025.


Progress 05/15/20 to 05/05/25

Outputs
Target Audience:The team's outreach efforts to promote understanding of AMR have been 2-fold, through the Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine and through the iAMResponsible Activities. Our target audiences for AMR and potential action they can use were livestock producers, food safety experts, extension educators, consumers, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers. Approximately 5,000 persons are following one of more of the iAMResponsible Project social media accounts with strong representation by medical professionals, educators, and AMR researchers worldwide. Engagement events (defined as user exploring or liking or saring content) for social media totaled 5100 in 2024 and thus far in 2025. Our AMR content has been incorporated into Public Health and Food Safety to the 2nd year Veterinary Medicine students (99 students in the class) and the class has been taught 3-times thus far. Likewise, content has been incorporated into the Ph.D. program in One Health Sciences and the M.S. program in Veterinary Sciences. Lastly, the AMR content has been incorporated into a Food Safety course for graduate students at the Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Report Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period 1 PhD student (Nafisa Lubna) and 2 undergraduate students (Jillian Bailey and Alexis Sampson) developed or refined STEM communication skills by contributing to the development and distribution of educational materials for the iAMResponsible social networks and educational library. The continued expansion of media development by the iAMResponsible team has required team members Bethany Zelt and Mara Zelt to develop new expertise in video production, audio production, and graphic design, utilizing programs such as Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, and database management capacity in Airtable. For the reporting period, 2 M.S. students participated in scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and further developed their STEM skills through attending classes at the Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center at Texas Tech University. Furthermore, veterinary students at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine have developed new expertise in antimicrobial resistance by incorporating AMR content into the Public Health and Food Safety class for 2nd year veterinary students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Primary dissemination for the iAMResponsible team has been via social media, and other online publications, in course materials, and at professional, educational, and community events. Scientific content has been disseminated at conferences, stakeholder meetings, veterinary medicine conferences, and through content incorporation at the TTU School of Veterinary Medicine. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NA- Final Report

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Core to the iAMResponsible team's mission is translating and transferring technical, scientific information into accessible and enjoyable educational materials for a wide variety of agricultural and food-safety related audiences. During the past year the team significantly expanded their video production capabilities - seeking to engage with audiences in short-form videos for distribution on social media platforms. These videos are not just a preferred communication style for younger audiences, we have observed participants of wide variety of age and demographic cohorts seeking out and engaging with short form visual storytelling. To meet this demand the team joined TikTok and increased their emphasis on this new style of video production for AMR information. As a result, iAMResponsible short video (0:30 to 1:30 min in length) videos has been watched for just under 100 hours (94.3) across all platforms during the past reporting period. During the past year the team has completed all research associated with the research portion of the grant. Likewise, we published 1 peer reviewed paper in 2024 and 1 in 2025 so that all of the research associated with the project has been published.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-05-20. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Poster Presentation]. 2024 NIAMRRE Annual Conference. Columbus, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Palala-Martinez, Hector, Zelt, Mara, Zelt, Beth, Oviedo-Ventura, Maria Jose, and Schmidt, Amy. 2024-06-20. Empowering Youth to Create a Healthier Future Through STEM Education About Antimicrobial Resistance. [Proceedings Paper]. 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. Portland, OR. https://nemo.asee.org/public/conferences/344/papers/44540
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-06-18. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Poster Presentation]. 2024 Farm Foundation Roundtable Meetings. Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Burbach, Mark, Zelt, Mara, Schmidt, Amy. 2024-07-29. Integrating Natural Resource Management Strategies in Antimicrobial Resistance Education and Prevention [Oral Presentation]. 2024 Annual ASABE International Conference. Anaheim, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, and Schmidt, Amy. 2024-04-09. Community Engagement to Mitigate Transmission of Infectious Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance from Backyard Poultry [Poster presentation]. Waste to Worth 2025, Boise ID.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lubna, Nafisa, Schmidt, Amy. 2025. Community Engagement to Mitigate Transmission of Infectious Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance from Backyard Poultry. [Proceedings Paper] Proceedings of 2025 Waste to Worth. https://lpelc.org/community-engagement-to-mitigate-transmission-of-infectious-diseases-and-antibiotic-resistance-frombackyard- poultry/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-05-17. Rising Through the Ranks: A Young Fungus Lieutenant's Journey in the War on Humans [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/y3Nr6TyioV8
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-06-19. Meet E. Coli: The Bacteria Living Lavishly in Your Gut [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qloPZlJjIrs
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lanwermann, Saskia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-06-19. Stop Superbugs: 4 Ways to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ScENO1CLObw
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-07-31. Tuberculosis Tales: A Chat on Survival and Resistance [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/iMZ7yct4CAk
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 9. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-28. Antibiotics Under Attack: How Bacteria Are Fighting Back [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/HGTMLDJ8xgg?feature=share 10. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Why Antibiotics Can't Stop the FluAnd What You Can Do [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/pssIPoDZr9Y 11. Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Interview with a Campylobacter [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/GHUxiXYu1FE 12. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-01. Antibiotics: Not a Cure-AllKnow When to Use Them [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ot5SEu7zH_M 13. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-04. The Ripple Effect of Antibiotic Resistance: Why It Matters to You [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/EK760pUI7fA 14. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-05. Antibiotic Resistance: Are we misusing the Magic Bullet?? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/puzoMyDwiwE 15. Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-05. Reusing Medications: A Risk You Cant Afford to Take [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/GlH0zxsCDtE 16. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-10. How Antibiotic Resistance is Impacting Wildlife and Ecosystems [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/oHbNtOAGd-w 17. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-10. Why New Antibiotics Take Years to Developand Why It Matters [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/oOetdNMfQcY 18. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-11. Antibiotic Resistance in Our Water: The Role of Wastewater [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ig9I-I52ZYM 19. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-13. Get Vaccinated [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/rGvMgxcALEw 20. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-09-13. Are Your Antimicrobial Products Making Superbugs Stronger? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/z4pPieJ-5y4 21. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-10-11. Fighting Superbugs with Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/5fwRMD0Nc5Y 22. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-10-11. The Rise of Gonorrhea: How Antibiotic Resistance Became Its Secret Weapon [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9qLyFR0belk 23. Bailey, Jillian, Samson, Alexis. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-12-06. Want to help fight against Antibiotic Resistance? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/P7AFmdDj8sE 24. Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-12-16. Antibiotic Resistance Explainedand What You Can Do [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/5LoUI2O3Oag 25. Lubna, Nafisa, Zelt, Mara, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-03. The Power of Clean Hands: Stopping Infections Before They Start [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/jMogt7cJR0o 26. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. The (super) power of clean hands [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/b6CpERBsx4Y 27. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in Kids [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/JvjNZH0nXsw 28. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Needed: Urgent action against antimicrobial resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/S0AtcQOB0n4 29. Zelt, Mara. [iAMResponsible]. 2025-02-18. Survey of US Doctors shows stewardship is needed [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/MVEoRIZJFl4 Report
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Education Aid or Curricula (or Websites) The iAMResponsible Project has six primary online (TikTok added Nov 2024) outlets for the regular distribution of newly developed outreach and educational materials with a total audience of almost 6000 (5,761 as of 04/23/2025). During the reporting period audiences interacting with these digital platforms engaged (liked, shared, viewed video, or followed link) with iAMResponsible materials on more than 12,000 (12,556) occasions: " Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_AMResponsible " Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAMResponsibleEDU " Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamresponsibleedu/ " YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cO1Gr80Y8skUWYk_try3g " TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_amresponsible " Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/iamresponsible.bsky.social " Website: iamrproject.com
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-08. Pertussis: The Bacteria that Became a Hero [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PiEwbK3ESDs
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-20. Save Our Animals: The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ekT_w_U-4z4 Report
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zelt, Beth, Vanderford, Olivia. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-26. Fighting the Silent Pandemic [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/FI7GHKuU5DE
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Vanderford, Olivia, Zelt, Beth. [iAMResponsible]. 2024-08-27. Antibiotic Resistance in Beef Production A Growing Threat ?? [Short Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/lG6COL2hi_Q
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hoffman, A. A., S. C. Fernando, J. E. Wells, N. S. Long, Z. S. McDaniel, T. M. Smock, P. R. Broadway, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, and K. E. Hales. Effects of a novel direct-fed microbial on occurrences of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in finishing beef steers. J. Food Protec. 88:100484. 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: A database of approximately 600 (including 91 new social media graphics developed during the reporting period) ready to use social media graphics, educational videos, and infographics which have previously been shared via one of the social media outlets are also available to the public and other educators at: https://lpelc.org/antimicrobial-resistance-resourcelibrary/
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hoffman, A. A., S. C. Fernando, J. E. Wells, D. R. Woerner, J. L. Manahan, N. S. Long, Z. S. McDaniel, T. M. Smock, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, P. R. Broadway, and K. E. Hales. The use of a novel direct-fed microbial as an alternative for tylosin phosphate to control liver abscesses and decrease antimicrobial use in finishing beef steers. Accepted to Appl. Anim. Sci. 40:307-317. 2024


Progress 05/15/23 to 05/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the research portion of the project includes livestock production stakeholders, commercial beef packers, extension educators and commercial nutritionists or veterinarians. The target audience for the iAMResponsible project outreach efforts include livestock producers, food safety experts, extension educators, consumers, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers. Approximately 7,000 people are following 1 or more of the iAMResponsible Project social media accounts with strong representation by medical professionals and researchers of all species. Changes/Problems:Nothing to report What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The funding from the project has allowed numerous undergraduate and graduate students to work towards degrees in Animal Science. During the reporting period, 2 students are working on research portions of the project and progressing toward a M.S. (1 student) and Ph.D. (1 student) in Animal Science. The team has also employed 1 undergraduate student this semester that worked on part of the project. The students have had the opportunity to participate in workshops on communicating STEM results. The continued evolution of the iAMResponsible website and information hub has required students to develop expertise in video production, audio production, and graphic design that incorporate programs like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, power point, and biorender. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination for the research portion of the project has been completed via scientific meetings, stakeholder meetings, and professional, educational, and community events. Primary dissemination for the iAMResponsible team has been via social media, and other online publications, in course materials, and at professional, educational, and community events. Additionally, the team PD has met with nutritionists and veterinarians from Cactus Feeders and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding to discuss findings on metaphylaxis and AMR and how those can be incorporated into their commercial operations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the next reporting period, the research team will continue to develop systems-based approaches to identify AMR reservoirs evaluating the host-microbiome community dynamics. The team is working toward a publication in this area also. The iAMResponsible team will continue to expand our content library and incorporate research findings from other contributors and expand our content creation to new media types and delivery methods.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The research team has successfull completed objective 1 and 2 and identified which metaphylactic antimicrobials incur the least amount of antimicrobial resistance throughout the production continuum. Objective 3 is ongoing and the team is working on publishing a manuscript as part of that objective. The outreach objective (iAMResponsible) has been quite successful in communicating to the public in a way in which is easy to understand. Members of the team have participated in various scientific and stakeholder meeting throughout the year and presented data that were derived from the project. The iAMResponsible team works to translate and transfer new research findings for delivery to the target audiences. Seventy-fibenew pieces of outreach content were created during the reporting period for distribution on social media and added to the existing database of media and research related to AMR curated by the iAMResponsible team and available to the public on the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) website. Four on-line social media outlets for dissemination of AMR related materials are managed with regular (monthly, weekly, or daily) outputs. In partnership with LPELC the project team delivered the fourth in an ongoing series of webinars on AMR impacts on agriculture aimed at agricultural producers and their advisors. The iAMResponsible team is also leading a multi-university online course "AMR from a One Health Perspective" which explores the many faceted challenges of AMR with emphasis on developing scientific communication skills in young STEM professionals. During the Spring of 2023, thirteenstudents at six universities (Nebraska, Maryland, North Carolina State, Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Minnesota) participated in the course and this was the 2nd year the course was offered.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Adams, S., N. D. Aluthge, W. Abbas, M. L. Spangler, J. E. Wells, K. E. Hales, L. A. King. 2023. Microbiomes from theory to application. J. Anim. Sci. 101. no. Supplement)2 (2023):63-63.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Antimicrobial susceptibility of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 3rd generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates enumerated longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk beef cattle administered common metaphylactic antimicrobials. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 20:252-260.https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2023.0001


Progress 05/15/22 to 05/14/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the research portion of the project includes livestock production stakeholders, commercial beef packers, extension educators and commercial nutritionists or veterinarians. The target audience for the iAMResponsible Project's outreach efforts include livestock producers, food safety experts, extension educators, consumers, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers. Approximately 5,000 people are following 1 or more of the iAMResponsible Project social media accounts with strong representation by medical professionals and researchers worldwide. Additionally, iAMResponsible has hosted engagement events, as monitored by exploring, liking, or sharing content for social media. The content totaled over 3,000 in 2022. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period, 2M.S. student completed their degrees and graduated. One of the students has gone topursue a Ph.D. in microbiology and the second student stayed at Texas Tech to pursue a Ph.D. in Animal Science. Additionally, the students participated in several workshops on teaching and learning STEM and how to communicate STEM results. The students have developed expertise in using statistical programs such as SAS and R and completed a scientific writing class. During the reporting period 1 PhD student, 2 masters students, and 4 undergraduate students developed or refined STEM communication skills by contributing to the development and distribution of educational materials for the iAMResponsible networks. The continued expansion of media development by the iAMResponsible team has also required several team members to develop new expertise in video production, audio production, and graphic design, utilizing programs such as Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, among others. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination for the research portion of the project has been completed via scientific meetings, stakeholder meetings, and professional, educational, and community events. Primary dissemination for the iAMResponsible team has been via social media, and other online publications, in course materials, and at professional, educational, and community events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the next reporting period the research team will continue to develop systems based approaches to identify AMR reservoirs evaluating the host-microbiome community dynamics. This includes analyses and publication of the microbiome data collected. During the next reporting period the iAMResponsible team will continue to expand our content library to incorporate and make accessible research findings from a wider selection of contributors and expand our content creation to new media types and delivery methods.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The research team has successfully completed objective 1 to identify a best management practice for metaphylactic antimicrobial use in high-risk cattle and the results of the research have been published in high-impact peer reviewed journals. Likewise, the team is in the process of analyzing and submitting the data for publication for objective 2 to implement a novel science-based intervention strategy to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the beef cattle industry. Members of the team have participated in various scientific meetings and stakeholder meetings. The iAMResponsible team works to translate and transfer new research findings for delivery to the target audiences. Over 50 new pieces of outreach content were created during the reporting period for distribution on social media and added to the existing database of media and research related to AMR curated by the iAMResponsible team and available to the public on the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) website. Four on-line social media outlets for dissemination of AMR related materials are managed with regular (monthly, weekly, or daily) outputs. In partnership with LPELC the project team delivered the fourth in an ongoing series of webinars on AMR impacts on agriculture aimed at agricultural producers and their advisors. In early 2022, the iAMResponsible team launched a podcast series (Tales of the Resistance), to discuss research findings on AMR in food production systems with general (non-expert audiences). The iAMResponsible team is also leading a multi-university online course "AMR from a One Health Perspective" which explores the many faceted challenges of AMR with emphasis on developing scientific communication skills in young STEM professionals. During the Spring of 2022, twenty students at six universities (Nebraska, Maryland, North Carolina State, Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Minnesota) participated in the course.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mara Zelt, and Amy Schmidt. Impacts of social media on public awareness and behavior related to antimicrobial resistance. Waste to Worth, April 18-22, 2022. Oregon, Ohio. https://lpelc.org/impacts-of-social-media-on-public-awareness-and-behavior-related-to-antimicrobial-resistance/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Amy Schmidt, Mara Zelt, Stephanie Lansing, Rohan Tikekar, Mahmoud Sharara, Joe Harrison, and Noelle Noyes. Antimicrobial Resistance from a One-Health Perspective: A Multi-Disciplinary University Instruction from Extension Professionals. Waste to Worth, April 18-22, 2022. Oregon, Ohio. https://lpelc.org/antimicrobial-resistance-from-a-one-health-perspective-multi-disciplinary-university-instruction-from-extension-professionals/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Long, N. S., J. E. Wells, E. D. Berry, J. F. Legako, D. R. Woerner, G. H. Loneragan, P. R. Broadway, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Sanchez, S. C. Fernando, C. M. Coppin, C. L. Helmuth, T. M. Smock, J. L. Manahan, A. A. Hoffman, and K. E. Hales. Metaphylactic antimicrobial effects on occurrences of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk cattle. J. Appl. Micro. 111:1-16. 2022.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Coppin, C. M., T. M. Smock, C. L. Helmuth, J. L. Manahan, N. S. Long, A. A. Hoffman, J. A. Carroll, P. R. Broadway, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, J. E. Wells, S. C. Fernando, and K. E. Hales. The effects of administering different metaphylactic antimicrobials on growth performance and health outcomes of high-risk, newly received feedlot steers. Accepted. Trans. Anim. Sci. 4:txac140. 2022.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Long, N.S., J. E. Wells, E. D. Berry, J. F. Legako, D. R. Woerner, P. R. Broadway, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, S. C. Fernando, C. M. Bacon, C. L. Helmuth, T. M. Smock, J. L. Manahan, A. A. Hoffman, and K. E. Hales. Antimicrobial susceptibility of trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and 3rd generation cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli isolates enumerated longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk beef cattle administered common metaphylactic antimicrobials
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Long, N.S., K. E. Hales, E. D. Berry, J. F. Legako, D. R. Woerner, P. R. Broadway, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, S. C. Fernando, and J. E. Wells. Susceptibility of Salmonella enterica isolates measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk beef cattle administered a common metaphylactic antimicrobial
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Amy Schmidt. Im an Expert& Why Arent You Listening to Me?!. Special Session at Waste to Worth, April 18-22, 2022. Oregon, Ohio. https://lpelc.org/im-an-expert-why-arent-you-listening-to-me/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Neher, Timothy. Antibiotic resistance in the environment has One-Health implications. April 25, 2022. https://lpelc.org/antibiotic-resistance-in-environment-has-one-health-implications/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Long, N. S., J. E. Wells, E. D. Berry, J. F. Legako, D. R. Woerner, G. H. Loneragan, P. R. Broadway, J. A. Carroll, N. C. Sanchez, S. C. Fernando, C. M. Coppin, C. L. Helmuth, T. M. Smock, J. L. Manahan, A. A. Hoffman, and K. E. Hales. Metaphylactic antimicrobial effects on occurrences of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk cattle. Plains Nutrition Council, San Antonio, Texas. April 12 - 15, 2022. https://theplainsnutritioncouncil.com/proceedings-of-the-2022-plains-nutrition-council-spring-conference/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Coppin, C. M., T. M. Smock, C. L. Helmuth, J. L. Manahan, N. S. Long, A. A. Hoffman, J. A. Carroll, P. R. Broadway, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, J. E. Wells, S. C. Fernando, and K. E. Hales. The effects of administering different metaphylactic antimicrobials on growth performance and health outcomes of high-risk, newly received feedlot steers. Plains Nutrition Council, San Antonio, Texas. April 12 - 15, 2022. https://theplainsnutritioncouncil.com/proceedings-of-the-2022-plains-nutrition-council-spring-conference/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Zelt, M, N. A. Mware, A. Patterson, B. Breinig, and B. Zelt. Tales of the Resistance, ongoing podcast series. 40 episodes 3/1/2022  12/31/2022. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1877103
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Andrew Ortiz Balsero. Responsible Antibiotic Use on Dairy Farms. Dec 2, 2022. https://lpelc.org/responsible-antibiotic-use-on-dairy-farms/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Johnson, L, M. Soupir, S. Bartelt-Hunt, and M. Zelt. Swimming with superbugs: Exploring how antimicrobial resistance moves in our environment. Live webinar August 22, 2022. https://lpelc.org/swimming-with-superbugs-exploring-how-antimicrobial-resistance-moves-in-our-environment/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Neher, Timothy. Swimmers beware, land application of manure can increase antibiotic resistance downstream. May 2, 2022 https://lpelc.org/swimmers-beware-land-application-of-manure-can-increase-antibiotic-resistance-downstream/


Progress 05/15/21 to 05/14/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the iAMResponsible Project's outreach efforts include livestock producers, food safety experts, extension educators, consumers, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers. Approximately 4000 persons are following one or more of the iAMResponsible Project social media accounts with strong representation by medical professionals, educators, and AMR researchers worldwide. Engagement events (defined as a user exploring, "liking", or sharing content) for social media content totaled just over 2700 in 2021. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting report for the research portion of the project, 2 masters students and 3 undergraduate students contributed to the conducting of research, analysis of results, and publication of research data. All other undergraduate and graduate students in the lab group were participated in every aspect of the project and learned about antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle. In addition to extension and research professionals, the iAMResponsible team relies on the assistance of student workers at the University of Nebraska. During the reporting period 1 PhD student, 2 masters students, and 4 undergraduate students contributed to the development and distribution of educational materials for the national networks. All team members are encouraged to participate in course lectures and discussion for the AMR from a one-health perspective online course, providing team members with access to leaders in the fields not only of AMR research but also of science communication and education. The continued expansion of media development by the team has also required several team members to develop expertise in video production, audio production, and graphic design, utilizing programs such as Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, among others. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Primary dissemination of the research has been through submitting peer reviewed articles to date. The outreach portion has been disseminated through social media, in course materials, and at professional, educational, and community events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the research portion, during the next period we plan to follow the submitted journal articles through to publication as we are awaiting to hear back from the Journal of Animal Science and the Journal of Applied Microbiology. During the next reporting period we will continue to expand our content library to incorporate and make accessible research findings from a wider selection of contributors and expand our content creation to new media types. We will establish a regular mailing list/newsletter to promote newly added library materials to a national network of extension professionals, agricultural advisors, and consumer advisors such as doctors, nutritionists and teachers. The team will seek to develop new partnerships with 4-H and consumer-facing food safety extension professionals to expand its reach with non-scientific audiences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Bovine respiratory disease is the primary animal health concern facing feedlot producers. Many antimicrobial mitigation strategies are available, but few studies have compared feedlot performance during both the receiving and finishing periods following application of different antimicrobials used as metaphylaxis at arrival. The results of ourstudy indicate administering metaphylaxis after arrival with either tulathromycin or ceftiofur can decrease the morbidity rate of high-risk calves. During the receiving period, the ADG of steers administered tulathromycin was greatest and DMI and G:F was greatest among those administered tulathromycin and ceftiofur. The use of tulathromycin or ceftiofur numerically increased final BW of the finishing period by ≥ 20 kg compared to negative control or florfenicol. Bovine respiratory disease remains a complex and multi-factorial health challenge in high-risk cattle, but producers can improve the health outcomes of their cattle with several commercially available antimicrobial drugs administered as metaphylaxis that decrease morbidity and mortality and subsequently improve growth performance. Our second objective was to determine how injectable antimicrobials affected populations of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. in feedlot cattle.At feedlot arrival, cattle may receive a preventative metaphylactic antimicrobial. This practice potentially provides a reservoir for accumulation of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Enterococcus spp. in animals destined for human consumption.Results from this study indicate fecal concentrations and prevalence for Salmonella, E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and associated antimicrobial resistance populations increase towards the end of the feeding period with the exception of 128 mg·L-1 erythromycin resistant Enterococcus spp. Apart from 128ERYR E. coli, Salmonella, and 8ERY Enterococcus spp., injection of a metaphylactic antimicrobial at feedlot arrival did not influence antimicrobial resistance by the end of the feeding period when compared to control cattle. Additionally, antimicrobial administration did not result in detectable strains of Salmonella exhibiting AMR. However, prevalence and fecal counts of total Salmonella from faecal samples was greater in the tulathromycin treatment compared to the control on d 238. Furthermore, prevalence of Salmonella from hide swabs was greater for tulathromycin and ceftiofur compared to the control, but there were no treatment differences found for Salmonella prevalence in lymph nodes. These results suggest Salmonella may be influenced by extrinsic factors with elevated concentrations resulting from the use of tulathromycin when compared to other antimicrobials commonly used for beef cattle. Although tulathromycin resulted in greater Salmonella in faecal and hide swab samples, it is not likely to contaminate the human food supply because there was a low prevalence in lymph nodes and multiple measures are taken by harvest facilities to mitigate possible contamination from faeces and hides. In conclusion, antimicrobial resistance in feedlot cattle is not caused solely by using a metaphylactic antimicrobial on arrival, but rather a multitude of environmental and management factors. The project team continues to grow, with new collaborators from four states previously not directly integrated into the iAMResponsible project network (Texas, Iowa, North Carolina, and Minnesota). The iAMResponsible team also continues to grow its collaboration with the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) to develop nationwide capacity to deliver educational materials related to AMR aimed at agricultural producers and their advisors. The iAMResponsible team further expanded their online course on AMR from a One Health perspective with emphasis on developing scientific communication skills in young STEM professionals. During the Spring of 2021, twenty-four students at five universities (Nebraska, Maryland, North Carolina State, Washington State, and Minnesota) participated in the course, and were given the opportunity to develop their own communication and educational materials on AMR for their chosen audience, some of the materials developed by students in the class were shared by the iAMResponsible team's national networks. Four on-line social media outlets for dissemination of AMR related materials are managed with regular (monthly, weekly, or daily) outputs. Over 50 new pieces of outreach content were created during the reporting period for distribution on social media and added to the existing library of some 400 pieces of media and research related to AMR curated by the iAMResponsible team and available to the public on the LPELC website. In partnership with LPELC the project team delivered the third in an ongoing series of webinars on AMR impacts on agriculture aimed at agricultural producers and their advisors. In late 2021, the iAMResponsible team launched a podcast series (Tales of the Resistance), hosted on the LPELC website, to discuss research findings on AMR in food production systems with general (non-expert audiences). During the spring of 2021, the team conducted a series of social media surveys to assess audience knowledge and attitudes toward AMR, food safety, and toward the iAMResponsible Project. Survey results indicate that the team has utilized social media effectively to build a recognized and trusted brand among medical professionals, educators, and AMR researchers worldwide and audience members indicated that they were motivated to change at least some personal behaviors to address growing AMR. However, outreach on social media has proved less effective for reaching audiences previously unaware of AMR and its potential impact on food safety.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M and A. Patterson. Tales of the Resistance Podcast. December 6, 2021. https://lpelc.org/tales-of-the-resistance-podcast/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M, A. Schmidt, and A. Patterson. Highlights from the AMR from a One-Health Perspective course. December 6, 2021. https://lpelc.org/amr-from-a-one-health-perspective/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Schmidt, A. IAMResponsibleTM&and so are you! Agricultures role in addressing antimicrobial resistance. October 14, 2021.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M and A. Patterson. Visual Glossary of Antimicrobial Resistance. September 9, 2021. https://lpelc.org/glossary-of-antimicrobial-resistance/
  • Type: Websites Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M. H. Fowler, E. Okello, J. Moyle, and H. Grenier. Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance Through Livestock Management. August 23, 2021. https://lpelc.org/addressing-antimicrobial-resistance-through-livestock-management/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M. A. Schmidt, N. Mware, X. Li, and G. Erickson. Dietary Impact on Antibiotic Resistance in Feedlot Manure. July, 19, 2021. https://lpelc.org/dietary-impact-on-antibiotic-resistance-in-feedlot-manure/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Zelt, M. A. Schmidt, Z. Staley, X. Li, B. Wang, and D. Miller Antibiotic Resistance in Manure-Amended Agricultural Soils. June 28, 2021. https://lpelc.org/antibiotic-resistance-in-manure-amended-agricultural-soils/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ramos-Tanchez, J.C. Antibiotic use in food animals and its effect on antimicrobial resistance spread and human health. May 26, 2021. https://lpelc.org/antibiotic-use-in-food-animals-and-its-effect-on-antimicrobial-resistance-spread-and-human-health/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Lutt, A. We can learn a lot from poop. Lpelc.org. April 27, 2021. https://lpelc.org/we-can-learn-a-lot-from-poop/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Richardson, J. Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in Surface Water Bodies. March 15, 2021. https://lpelc.org/antimicrobial-resistant-bacteria-in-surface-water-bodies/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Trout, Z. The growth of antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat to human health. lpelc.org. February 25, 2021. https://lpelc.org/the-growth-of-antibiotic-resistance-has-become-a-serious-threat-to-human-health/
  • Type: Websites Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: The team created a project brand titled iAMResponsible to represent the project, increase visibility of the project and our efforts, and build trust in project outputs. The iAMR Project has the following on-line outlets in use or development: Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_AMResponsible Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAMResponsibleEDU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamresponsibleedu/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cO1Gr80Y8skUWYk_try3g Website: https://unlcms.unl.edu/ianr/microbial-resistance/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Metaphylactic antimicrobial effects on occurrences of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. measured longitudinally from feedlot arrival to harvest in high-risk beef cattle
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: The effects of administering different metaphylactic antimicrobials on growth performance and health outcomes of high-risk, newly received feedlot steers


Progress 05/15/20 to 05/14/21

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Team members were provided the opportunity to learn and use Adobe Spark, Animaker and Airtable to improve communication skills using images, video and content management. Graduate students gained expertise in animal care and management, animal health, beef cattle nutrition, molecular biology, and microbiology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our main method of dissemination has been via social media. A list of publications, abstracts, and databases are listed under the products section. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we plan to continue to extract the DNA from the fecal samples. Additionally, we plan to complete the microbial communityanalysis, AMR gene sequencing and the virome sequence analysis. We plan to complete thesmall pilot study where we feed 3 levels of our novel direct-fed microbial (DFM) to determine the optimum dose that decreases liver abscesses in cattle. For the outreach portion of the proposal, we plan to have the website fully up and running, which will create a more permanent platform to host the AMR resources we have developed. Furthermore, we will work to expand our content library and improve accessibility of research findings. The outreach team will establish a mailing list and newsletter that will promote our library materials and provide them to a national network of extension professionals, agricultural advisors, and consumer advisors such as doctors, nutritionists and teachers. We are currently conducting two surveys aimed at 1) evaluating the impact of social media outreach efforts in increasing awareness of AMR and gaging resultant behavioral changes; and 2) assessing needs of extension professionals across the country for development of new resources to support their understanding of AMR and inform the interactions they will have within their own education and outreach networks.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In year 1, working towards objective 1 and objective 3 we have receceived 240 high-risk cattle and they are currently on feed at Texas Tech University. The 4 different metaphylactic antibiotic treatments were administered and animal health outcomes are currently being monitored. To assess antimicrobial resistances (AMR) in the feces,we have collected 720 fecal samples and have completed the AMRbacterial enumeration and isolation. We targeted AMR populations that included tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 3rd generation cephalosporin, and erythromycin resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing has been conducted on approximately 100 Salmonella isolates using the NARMS panel (CMV4AGNF). The DNA extraction of the 720 fecal samples is underway. We have not yet started objective 2. We are evaluating dosage levels for the direct fed microbial (DFM) that we plan to use in objective 2. We are currentlyconducting a small pilot study to determine the optimum dosage of DFM to provide cattle to decrease liver abscesses.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2020 Citation: Glaize, Ayanna, E. Gutierrez-Rodribuez, I. Hanning, S Diaz-Sanchez, C. Gunter, A H.M. van Viet, W. Watson, S. Thakur. Transmission of antimicrobial resistant non-O157 Escherichia coli at the interface of animal-fresh produce in sustainable farming environments. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108472 Meyers, M., L. Durso, J. Gilley, L. Castleberry, H. Waldrip and A. Schmidt. 2019. Antibiotic resistance gene profile changes in cropland soil following manure application and rainfall. Journal of Environmental Quality. (In Press) https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2019.04.0153
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2020 Citation: Staley, Z., X. Li, B. Woodbury, A. Schmidt, L. Durso, K. Eskridge. 2020. Corn stalk residue may add antibiotic resistant bacteria to manure composting piles. Journal of Environmental Quality. (In Press). https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20017
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Schmidt, A. 2020. iAMResponsibleTM: Educating food producers & consumers about antimicrobial resistance. Scientia. https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA460.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: A.M. Schmidt and Scientia. iAMResponsible": Educating food producers & consumers about antimicrobial resistance. Scientia. 8 January 2020. https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA460
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Schmidt, A.M. Research and Outreach Highlight: i(AM)Responsible, a nationwide outreach network on antimicrobial resistance. Nebraska One-Health Newsletter. 1 November 2020.