Spore probiotics: an alternative to antibiotics in animal husbandry

Objective

The overuse of antibiotics in the farming industry has profound public health implications. Of most concern are the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria and the transfer of these bacteria from farm animals to humans. This year Denmark has made the landmark decision of banning antimicrobials as growth promoters in pigs. This decision reinforces several key actions in the 5th framework in 'finding antibiotic alternatives' and 'reducing their use in animal husbandry'. One option is the use of robotics or CE agents. We have recently discovered that bacterial spores are effective CE agents and can suppress the colonisation of an E. coil pathogen in poultry. Spores are remarkably robust and could be mixed with animal feed. We have assembled a group of three spore researchers and two commercial partners, coordinated by a leading Agricultural Research facility. We will determine how spores work as CE agents/robotics and commercially exploit them.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Address

Woodham Lane, New Haw
KT15 3NB Addlestone
United Kingdom

Participants (5)

BIOPROGRESS SPA - CONSORZIO FARMACEUTICO E BIOTECNOLOGICO BIOPROGRESS

Italy

Address

Via Paduni, 240
03012 Anagni

INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA EXPERIMENTAL E TECNOLOGICA

Portugal

Address

Quinta Do Marques
2780-901 Oeiras

INSTITUTO DE TECNOLOGIA QUIMICA E BIOLOGICA - UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA

Portugal

Address

Avenida Da Republica, Estacao Agronomica Nacional
Oeiras

ROYAL HOLLOWAY AND BEDFORD NEW COLLEGE

United Kingdom

Address

Egham Hill
TW20 0EX Egham,surrey

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI FEDERICO II

Italy

Address

Via Mezzocannone 8
80134 Napoli