Gut Microbiota and Antibiotic Resistance in Ruminants

Dear Colleagues,

Ruminant animals are adaptable to most of Earth’s biomes, are a critical source of protein for human consumption, and are unique in the depth and extent of the symbiotic relationship with their native microbial population.  Since their discovery, antibiotics have been widely used around the world to improve human health and quality of life for both humans and animals. The use of antibiotics has also immeasurably improved agricultural animal health and enhanced the efficiency of meat protein production for human consumption over the last 60 years. However, the widespread adoption of antimicrobial use in human health, animal health, and ruminant production has led to a series of profound unintended consequences. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now recognized as one of the largest threats to human and animal health looming over the 21st century. Animal health and human health are deeply intertwined because many microbes are shared between the animal and human gut; therefore, AMR must be addressed holistically, via the “One Health” concept.

This Special Issue seeks to address how antimicrobial resistance has been spread amongst gut microbiota in ruminants.  The role of dysbiosis and potential pathogens (including foodborne pathogens) in the ruminal and gastrointestinal microbial population and their relationship with antimicrobial use.  We further seek to evaluate potential interventions and alternatives to reduce or eliminate the use of antimicrobials in ruminant animal production.  The impact of modulating the native ruminal and gut microbiome, and/or the use of pre-, pro-, or eubiotics, or the use of fecal microbial transplantation to replace the benefits of microbial are appreciated.  We seek your contributions to improve our scientific understanding of the gut microbiota's impact on the spread and retention of antimicrobial resistance in ruminant animals.

Dr. Todd Riley Callaway
Guest Editor

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• gastrointestinal microbes
• resistance physiology
• microbial ecology
• microbial physiology
• antimicrobial resistance
• One Health
• alternatives to antimicrobials
• interventions