Silla University Department of Companion Animal Studies Selected as Joint Recipient of KDCA Academic Research Project

Led by the National Institute of Health, with joint participation from Yonsei University, Kangwon National University, and Chung-Ang University

The Department of Companion Animal Science at Silla University (President: Heo Namsik) announced on the 1st that it has been selected as a joint contractor for a new academic research project commissioned by the Division of Antimicrobial Resistance at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) National Institute of Health.

The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which threaten the effectiveness of essential medicines for infectious disease treatment, have become a serious global public health threat, leading to significant social and economic losses.

Since antibiotics are used not only in humans but also in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, food, and the environment, a systematic research and comprehensive management approach based on the 'One Health' concept is required for proactive response.

The new academic research project, "Integrated Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance in Local Communities," will be conducted until December 2026 with a total research fund of 1.95 billion KRW. The project aims to conduct research on surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to overcome antibiotic resistance, as well as antibiotic research from a One Health perspective. The project is led by the Division of Antimicrobial Resistance at the KDCA National Institute of Health, with participation from Yonsei University, Kangwon National University, Chung-Ang University, and Silla University.

The Department of Companion Animal Science at Silla University, participating in this research project, plans to analyze the characteristics and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria using samples isolated from companion animals, their environments, and their owners. Through this, they aim to examine the interconnection of the occurrence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among humans, animals, and the environment.

Professor Hong Junseong of the Department of Companion Animal Science at Silla University stated, "Through this joint contract for the KDCA National Institute of Health academic research project, we hope to contribute to public health policies aimed at reducing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in local communities by analyzing the occurrence and spread of resistant bacteria among humans, animals, and the environment, especially as the population raising companion animals continues to grow."

In 2022, Silla University was selected as the lead institution for the "Companion Animal Industry Specialized Innovation Research Complex (I-URP)" project. In collaboration with Busan Metropolitan City, the university is accelerating the creation of a companion animal industry ecosystem by establishing a pet complex theme park through industry-academia-government cooperation, aiming to make the companion animal industry a growth engine for Busan.