In March 2026, Dr Mabel De Leo, Science Officer at ICARS, visited Bogotá and Barranquilla, Colombia, to support the continued implementation and dissemination of two ICARS-supported antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation projects spanning animal and human health. The visit included the closure of the FARM-CARE project on antimicrobial use in pig production, and an advisory board meeting for the LIMCRE project, which is strengthening infection prevention and control measures to reduce incidence and transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Colombian hospitals.
About the FARM-CARE project
The FARM-CARE project is part of a joint transnational call funded by the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR), which brings together international partners to address AMR through coordinated research efforts. The project focuses on improving antimicrobial stewardship in livestock production by promoting evidence-based interventions that reduce antibiotic use while maintaining animal health and productivity.
ICARS supports the implementation of FARM-CARE activities in Colombia (launched in April 2022) as part of this joint call, working closely with PorkColombia to ensure that interventions are context-specific and aligned with local needs. In Colombia, this includes evaluating practical farm-level measures such as improved piglet management, including strategies around litter mixing, to reduce the transmission of enteric pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, and consequently the need for antimicrobial use.
Implemented through a consortium of research institutions and partners across multiple countries, FARM-CARE reflects JPIAMR’s commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing One Health solutions to AMR. By integrating expertise from veterinary science, microbiology, and public health, the project contributes to the development of sustainable practices in animal agriculture that align with global AMR containment strategies.
FARM-CARE closure event showcases key findings to inform further diagnostic stewardship in the Colombian pig sector
Dr Mabel De Leo (who has been supporting the implementation of the FARM-CARE project) participated in the formal project closure. The event was attended by more than 60 participants, including pig farmers, veterinarians, and researchers.
During the event, the findings were presented, followed by a training session on AMR diagnostics in pigs, supported by our partner Porkcolombia’s laboratory coordinator.
Further reading
The project has led to two publications, while a manuscript on the results of pre-weaning, commingling, and early post-weaning litter mixing as a strategy to reduce stress is currently being finalised. An additional manuscript is being developed by the PhD student, Professor Adriana del Pilar Pulido Villamarín, who is working on the project. Some of the key results from these publications include:
- High prevalence of multidrug-resistant coli with resistance to multiple critical antimicrobials.
- Detection of Salmonella spp and coli O157 across pigs, feed, water and environment.
- Water was identified as a key contamination source.
- Limited correlation between haemolysis and pathogenic strains (ETEC), highlighting diagnostic gaps.
Integrating farm-level antimicrobial use data with genomic analyses will be essential to identify drivers of AMR and guide effective stewardship in the Colombian pig industry.
You can read both publications here and here.
About the LIMCRE project
This ICARS-supported project, running from January 2025 until January 2028, aims to reduce the transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in public healthcare institutions, particularly in intensive care units, where rising infection rates increase mortality and place a strain on resources.
Led by Universidad El Bosque in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and five hospitals across the country, the project responds to gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC), including limited resources, training, and standardised protocols. It implements a multimodal IPC bundle combining:
- staff training
- standard operating procedures
- CRE screening and routine monitoring
- qualitative research to understand implementation challenges
- an evaluation of cost-effectiveness
The project seeks to establish baseline CRE incidence, strengthen behaviour change among healthcare workers, and generate evidence to inform national policy, with intended outcomes including reduced CRE infections, improved and sustained IPC practices, and enhanced capacity among healthcare staff.
Advisory Board identifies key barriers to effective IPC in practice
As part of project implementation, an Advisory Board meeting was held with 22 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, nursing staff, infectious disease physicians, hospital administrators, and researchers. Dr Mabel De Leo from ICARS and an external advisor from ACIN (Asociación Colombiana de Infectología) reviewed the project’s progress and defined next steps.
Baseline quantitative preliminary data has confirmed critical gaps in IPC adherence, especially in hand hygiene compliance, use of PPE, and equipment cleaning practices. Similarly, qualitative findings revealed variability in the understanding and prioritisation of IPC measures, with lack of time, high workload, the need for clear and context-adapted protocols, and delays in lab-clinical communication identified as key barriers.
Presentation at the XVII International Symposium on AMR
Dr Mabel also participated in the XVII International Symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), held from March 18–20, 2026, in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she engaged with academia, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across Latin America and the United States. The symposium covered key topics including emerging resistance mechanisms, antimicrobial stewardship (PROA), diagnostic innovation, fungal infections, and infection prevention strategies. During the event, key members of the LIMCRE project presented sessions, contributing to discussions on real-world challenges in AMR management. The event provided a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional collaborations, and position the ICARS-supported project within ongoing scientific and policy discussions on AMR.
Next steps
Following the closure event, the FARM-CARE project team will continue to submit final documents ahead of final publications.
The LIMCRE project team will proceed with the intervention phase, based on priority gaps identified in the baseline data. This includes Personal Protective Equipment use, hand hygiene compliance, and communication processes.
