Farmers and agricultural workers are needed for new research into links between antibiotics in animals and "superbugs" in humans at the University of Wollongong.
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Scientists are delving into the controversial topic and say anecdotal evidence from farmers is the missing piece to the puzzle.
Chief investigator Chris Degeling from the Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values said when misused, antibiotics on farm animals (like dairy cows) could increase the risk to human and animal health from "antimicrobial resistant superbugs".
"While people are quick to blame agriculture for rising rates of antimicrobial resistance, the evidence suggests Australian farmers are practising antibiotic stewardship far better than their peers in other parts of the world," he said.
Dr Degeling wants to chat with farmers from the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands and hopes this study would provide new perspectives on how best to manage the risks.
"Antibiotic use in agriculture is highly regulated in Australia and different factors shape decisions compared to those made in human medicine," he said.
"Those arguing for greater restriction of antibiotic use in agriculture say it will save lives by lowering one of the known drivers of antimicrobial resistance and those arguing against it say the industry is well regulated and the major driver of AMR is antibiotic use in humans.
"Our research team wants to talk to farmers and agricultural workers in the Illawarra to understand how they make decisions about antibiotic use and how they think Australia should manage the threat of AMR in the future."
The researchers want to hear from adults who work in agriculture on any type of farm in the Illawarra, northern Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.
Participants will be asked to take part in an interview which can be done in person or over the phone. Interviews will take less than an hour and participants will receive a $20 gift voucher for Coles or Woolworths for their involvement in the study.
This project is part of a larger study examining antibiotic use in the Illawarra.
To find out more about the interviews please call or text 0413 994 412 or email ohawkins@uow.edu.au
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