Surveillance in Animal Health
EARS-Vet
The European AMR surveillance network in veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) was initiated during EU-JAMRAI 1 to enhance AMR surveillance in bacterial pathogens of animals (i.e., in diseased animals).
To achieve full-scale implementation of EARS-Vet, this work is being further developed in EU-JAMRAI 2 by:
Building tools to facilitate joint routine data analysis of AMR in bacterial pathogens of animals across the EU.
Improving harmonization of laboratory methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens of animals: Writing an EARS-Vet manual, defining customized MIC plates, performing interlaboratory proficiency testing
Performing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis of phenotypes of interest
Working towards EARS-Vet integration within the EU surveillance landscape
Data collection, analysis and reporting
During first year of EU-JAMRAI 2, focus has been on updating the Ears-Vet scope to align with partner priorities, as well as preparing tools and guidlines for collection of harmonized AMR data. The main progress is described below:
- An update has been made of the EARS-Vet scope to include surveillance data from horses, sheep and goats.
- A development of the EARS-Vet database and WHONET module has been performed.
- A data sharing agreement was signed by all partners in February 2025.
- The first open data call was launched in February 2025.
Efforts to improve harmonisation of the collected data
- An EARS-Vet manual has been drafted.
- The definition of customized EARS-Vet MIC plates has been decided.
In addition, selection criteria for AMR isolates to be sent for WGS were agreed upon. Several important collaborations were also established with for example EFSA, FAO InFARM, AHWP SOA8.