Project
Title
Netzwerk zum Infektionsrisiko durch Luftübertragung - Teilprojekt Nutztierhaltung und
Landwirtschaft
Acronym
AiRisk
Start
01.04.2026
End
30.03.2031
Coordinating Institute
Robert Koch-Institut
Coordinator
Partner
Robert Koch-Institut
Forschungszentrum Borstel - Leibniz-Zentrum für Medizin und Biowissenschaften
Leibniz-Institut für Troposphärenforschung e. V.
Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk
Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Zentrum für
Naturwissenschaft und Friedensforschung
Allocated to research program
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified by the United Nations as one of six emerging global
environmental challenges. Animal husbandry is an important reservoir and source of AMR bacteria because
73% of all antibiotics administered worldwide are used in veterinary medicine. However, the exact
mechanisms by which these disease and zoonotic pathogens are transmitted to humans, animals and
plants remain largely unclear. AiRisk aims to close a part of this knowledge gap by targeting a novel route
of transmission: dust. Dust forms an interesting link between the areas of One Health and facilitates the
transmission of AMR bacteria and zoonotic pathogens from agriculture to the environment, animals and
humans. Research findings suggest that dust can increase bacterial survivability in the air by promoting
biofilm formation and altering the sensitivity of bacteria to disinfectants. It is therefore crucial to evaluate
disinfection measures in the context of dust exposure.
In the AiRisk project, the ATB is taking the lead for the animal sector and agriculture. We are characterizing
dust particles from pig barns in terms of their concentration, size and mass, as well as their load of
pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. We are investigating the influence of various
environmental conditions, locations in the barn and the animal husbandry system. The extent of dust
emissions from the stable into the surrounding environment is measured and modelled in order to carry out
a risk assessment in line with the One Health approach. In a second step, an air decontamination system
for stables is developed and evaluated. All data obtained here will be made available to stakeholders and
the relevant federal authorities in order to respond as effectively as possible to the growing threat posed by
AMR.
Funding
Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR)
Funding agency
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)
Grant agreement number
01KI2512B
Funding framework
Zuwendung aus dem Bundeshaushalt, Einzelplan 30, Kapitel 04, Titel 68530, Haushaltsjahr 2026