Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical challenge to global public health, with the livestock sector playing a significant role in its acceleration. The widespread and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock farming for disease prevention, therapeutic applications, and growth promotion has contributed to the emergence and dissemination of resistant pathogens. This growing crisis is exacerbated by the fact that the development of new antibiotics lags behind the rapid evolution of resistance, leaving veterinarians and livestock producers with fewer effective treatment options. The transfer of AMR genes within livestock populations and throughout the food chain presents a significant health risk, affecting both animal welfare and human health through zoonotic transmission and contamination of food products.

Vaccines offer a promising and sustainable solution by preventing infections before they occur, thereby reducing the reliance on antibiotics in livestock production. By enhancing immunity in animals, vaccines can help mitigate the selective pressure that drives resistance development. The application of advanced vaccine strategies in livestock not only safeguards animal health but also contributes to global efforts in curbing AMR, aligning with One Health principles that emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

To effectively address AMR through innovative vaccine strategies in livestock, a multi-faceted approach is required. Traditional vaccines have been instrumental in controlling infectious diseases in livestock, but the emergence of AMR necessitates the adoption of cutting-edge vaccine technologies that offer improved efficacy, broader protection, and enhanced immunological responses. The development and deployment of next-generation vaccines can significantly reduce the burden of AMR by minimizing the need for antibiotics in food-producing animals.

Key Areas of Focus:

a) Cutting-edge Platforms: Emerging vaccine technologies such as mRNA vaccines, vector-based vaccines, and peptide vaccines hold great promise for combating AMR pathogens in livestock. These platforms enable rapid vaccine development, precise antigen targeting, and enhanced protective immunity against specific resistant pathogens. By leveraging these technologies, researchers can develop vaccines that offer robust, long-lasting protection and reduce the prevalence of bacterial infections requiring antibiotic intervention.

b) Enhanced Adjuvants and Delivery Systems: Advances in adjuvant formulations and vaccine delivery methods can significantly improve the efficacy and durability of livestock vaccines. Innovative adjuvants enhance immune stimulation, while nanoparticle-based delivery systems and novel administration routes (such as mucosal or transdermal delivery) ensure optimal immune response and longer-lasting protection. These advancements facilitate the development of vaccines that are both effective and practical for large-scale use in livestock farming.

Topics of Interest:

We invite researchers to submit original studies, brief reports, and reviews that explore innovative vaccine strategies specifically tailored to livestock, with a strong focus on mitigating AMR. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

-Vector-Based Vaccines: The use of viral or bacterial vectors to deliver antigens and induce strong immune responses in livestock.
-Protein and Peptide Vaccines: The design and application of subunit vaccines targeting key AMR pathogens in livestock.
-Nanoparticle-Based Vaccines: The integration of nanotechnology to enhance vaccine stability, delivery, and immunogenicity.
-Multivalent and Broad-Spectrum Vaccines: The development of vaccines that provide protection against multiple AMR-related pathogens, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments in livestock populations.

By advancing research in these areas, we can accelerate the transition towards sustainable livestock health management practices that reduce antibiotic dependence and mitigate the risks associated with AMR. This Research Topic aims to provide a platform for groundbreaking studies that will drive innovation in livestock vaccine development and contribute to global efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance.

The Topic Editors declare no conflicts of interest

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Advancing Livestock Health: Innovative Vaccine Strategies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance