Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment – particularly in water, soil and wildlife – is now of global, strategic importance. The ‘One Health’ approach is of central importance to research into and the prevention of the spread of AMR, as resistant pathogens and genes (ARGs) circulate between humans, animals and ecosystems via the environment. The environment is not merely a passive recipient, but acts as a reservoir and a ‘laboratory’ for the further development of resistance.
This fascinating topic will be explored in this year’s lecture series ‘AMR in the One Health Context’.
The second part of the lecture series will focus on the topic ‘AMR, Soil and Agriculture’
When? 1 July 2026, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Where? Online
Registration: onehealthplatform.net
The lectures will be held in German.
Programme:
1.00 pm
Opening and introduction
1.10 pm – 1.45 pm
Presentation 1: From the barn to the soil: How agriculture influences the spread of antimicrobial resistance
Prof. Dr Anja Worrich, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
- Effects of climate change on the spread of antimicrobial resistance in soils under different land-use types (including conventional and organic arable farming)
- Transfer of resistance genes from the soil to the plant-associated microbiome
- Cover crop mixtures as a management option for controlling resistance dynamics in the soil
13:45 – 14:15
Presentation 2: AMR in livestock farming within a One Health context: prevalence, transmission and intervention strategies
Dr Tina Kabelitz, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy e.V. (ATB)
- The role of agriculture/livestock farming in the emergence and spread of AMR, including
- The impact of improved hygiene on reducing AMR in pig rearing and the role of flies as transmission vectors
- The airborne spread of particulate matter, microorganisms and AMR via aerosols
- The survival and reduction of AMR in chicken manure through various manure treatments (composting, anaerobic digestion, storage) and the modulation of various parameters (moisture, temperature, C/N ratio)
14:15 – 14:45
Lecture 3: Soil diversity and antimicrobial resistance – effects of environmental stressors on soil functions and soil health
Prof. Dr Michael Schloter, Head of the ‘Comparative Microbiome Analysis’ Research Group, Helmholtz Zentrum München
- The influence of anthropogenic stressors on the diversity and function of the soil microbiome
- The relationship between changes in soil communities, soil functions and antimicrobial resistance
- The significance of co-selection by pollutants beyond conventional antibiotics (e.g. pesticides, metals or other environmental contaminants), as well as the role of transporters and efflux systems
14:45 – 15:00
Closing discussion & farewell