Moove–Preparing Norwegian livestock against new threats: implications of cattle movements for antimicrobial resistance and emerging diseases

The overall objective of Moo-ve is to increase the knowledge of the network of cattle movements and antimicrobial usage in the Norwegian cattle industry. The project will focus on the implications of cattle trade for spread of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, and improved applicability in practical disease control. Large amounts of data are collected throughout the value chain in Norwegian cattle production, with a substantial unused potential. In the Moo-ve project we seek to establish good systems for sharing and merging of multiple source data from the cattle industry. All movements of livestock are mandatory to report. Nevertheless, these movements, including the possible implications for spread of animal diseases have not been documented. In Moo-ve we will describe the Norwegian cattle trade network over time, explore the possible link to spread of antibiotic resistance genes and use livestock movement data to simulate the spread of disease in the cattle population. A new software for quick and easy contact tracing in outbreak situations. The project will strengthen the body of knowledge that is needed to prevent spread of endemic diseases and at the same time prepare the cattle industry against diseases that are currently not present. Another important data source in cattle production is data on prescription of drugs. All veterinarians are obliged to report prescriptions of drugs to livestock. However, surveillance of antibiotic usage is still largely based on wholesale figures and not actual use. In Moo-ve we will assess the data quality and explore prescription patterns to better understand how these data can be used in continuous work towards prudent use and reliable surveillance of antibiotics

The Norwegian cattle population is free of many infectious diseases and has a likely low occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. This favorable situation represents an important asset that must not be taken for granted. Due to changes in climate, travelling behavior and import of animal products, the risk of introduction of new diseases seems increasing. The covid-19 pandemic in humans has emphasized the value of mobility data and simulation models to inform mitigation activities. For cattle, the knowledge of livestock transports is essential when preparing for changes in the disease situation as it is an important route for spread of infection. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the Norwegian cattle trade network and its implications for disease spread remains unknown. We aim to provide detailed descriptions of contact patterns to inform control of present diseases and prepare for introductions of new diseases. A transmission model using real livestock movement data will be established, and a new software for contact tracing will be developed to support practical disease control. Surveillance of antibiotic use in terrestrial animals in Norway still relies on wholesale figures; lacking sufficient detail to enhance continued improvement of antimicrobial stewardship. As use is mandatory to report, detailed information exists and holds the potential for excellent surveillance of antibiotic use in the food chain. In the proposed project we will assess the quality and usability of prescription drug registry data and investigate antibiotic prescription patterns. The project is interdisciplinary, exploiting collaboration between the veterinary and computer-science environment. The dairy co-operative, TINE, and the Norwegian Cattle Health Services, Animalia, are partners in the project, and stakeholders will participate in planning, implementation, and communication. Targeted information will be disseminated to farmers, veterinarians, advisors and governmental bodies.