Building Local Capacity, Shaping National Strategy: Tackling AMR in Poultry in Northern Laos through a One Health Lens

By Somphanh Bounyavong and Team 

Editor: Anti Rismayanti, SEAOHUN Regional Program Manager

In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the need for localized, data-driven responses has never been more critical. Under the SEAOHUN 2024 One Health Research and Training (OHRT) Awards Program, our team from Souphanouvong University undertook a timely and urgent project entitled “Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacteria in Poultry Pathogens in the Northern Lao PDR.” This initiative aimed to bridge the knowledge gap in AMR surveillance in animal production, especially in poultry, while engaging communities and health professionals in promoting more responsible antibiotic use.

Implementation Experience

The implementation of our project was both a scientific journey and a logistical challenge. We conducted sample collections from poultry farms and wet markets across four provinces—Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Oudomxay, and Luangnamtha—targeting meat sold in areas representing different socioeconomic tiers. Using rigorous microbiological techniques, we analyzed resistance levels of Enterobacteriaceae, with a focus on Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Findings revealed a troubling prevalence of resistance to widely used antibiotics such as tetracyclines and sulfonamides, underscoring the public health risks of unregulated antibiotic use in poultry.

Despite the obstacles—such as delays in budget disbursement, ethical approval procedures, fluctuating exchange rates, and challenging terrain during the rainy season—our team persevered. We also engaged district and provincial livestock officers early on, which facilitated community participation and built trust. Dissemination activities included workshops and poster campaigns aimed at farmers, veterinarians, and local officials.

Enhancement of One Health Knowledge and Skills

Our project has significantly deepened our understanding of the One Health framework, not only in theory but also in practice. From laboratory diagnostics to fieldwork coordination and stakeholder engagement, team members acquired both technical proficiencies and soft skills such as communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving. These experiences were especially valuable for younger researchers and early-career faculty, equipping them with interdisciplinary competencies essential for modern health challenges.

Improving One Health Education and Practice

As faculty members of an OHUN member university, our involvement in this project has had a direct impact on our approach to education. We now integrate case studies from the project into classroom teaching and field-based learning, offering students a practical understanding of AMR and its implications within the One Health framework. The project also created opportunities for collaboration with government agencies, which we intend to sustain through joint research and internship placements.

Anticipated Impact on Target Groups

We expect our project to leave a lasting footprint in the northern regions of Laos. Farmers who participated in training activities now better understand the risks of indiscriminate antibiotic use. Post-workshop surveys indicated a 60% increase in awareness regarding AMR. Veterinary officers have expressed interest in integrating our recommendations into provincial animal health strategies. Looking ahead, we anticipate that our research data will inform national policy, foster more targeted AMR monitoring programs, and strengthen veterinary public health systems.

Contributing to the Advancement of One Health

By generating context-specific AMR data and promoting stakeholder collaboration, our project embodies the spirit of the One Health approach. It highlights how interdisciplinary teamwork and community-based action can influence both policy and practice. Importantly, the project sheds light on the underreported threat of AMR in food animals, pushing it higher on the national agenda in Laos.

Insights and Lessons Learned

The lessons drawn from this project extend beyond laboratory findings and data analysis. One of the most important realizations was the power of early and inclusive stakeholder engagement. From provincial livestock officers to local poultry farmers, involving key actors from the start ensured that the project goals were aligned with real-world needs and encouraged a sense of shared ownership. Trust was built through transparency and regular communication, which in turn facilitated access to farms and supported behavioral change.

Another critical insight was the need for flexibility. Conducting research in remote, rain-affected regions presented both environmental and logistical difficulties. Our ability to adapt—whether by shifting travel dates or revising training delivery methods—was crucial to maintaining project momentum. These experiences emphasized the importance of resilience and pragmatic problem-solving in field research.

Capacity building emerged as a central theme. By training local researchers, veterinarians, and extension workers in AMR surveillance and biosecurity practices, the project laid the foundation for sustained action beyond its funding period. The knowledge and tools imparted will continue to serve the region in managing AMR threats in the years to come.

Lastly, we recognized that changing behaviors around antibiotic use requires more than a single intervention. While initial training was effective, long-term change depends on continuous follow-up, access to alternatives such as vaccines and probiotics, and reinforcement through community-led peer support. Several participants requested additional workshops and user-friendly materials, highlighting the importance of iterative, context-specific learning.

Conclusion

Through the generous support of the SEAOHUN OHRT Awards Program, our team was able to make tangible contributions to AMR mitigation in poultry production in Northern Laos. This project not only advanced our academic and professional capacities but also catalyzed a broader conversation about the role of One Health in rural development. As we move forward, we remain committed to expanding our work, nurturing partnerships, and driving policy change for a healthier, more resilient future.

Team Leader: Somphanh Bounyavong, Deputy Head, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Resource, Souphanouvong University

Team Members:

• Xaykham Onphachanh, Lecturer & Researcher, Souphanouvong University

• Khamla Duangvichith, Lecturer & Researcher, Souphanouvong University