Foodborne Zoonoses and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit

Foodborne Zoonoses and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit became operational in 1996 based on the Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (VAV). Nowadays, it includes the study of different food-borne zoonoses (Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Yersinia, Staphylococcus aureus ...). It is also responsible for analyzing antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic organisms, commensal bacteria of the intestinal tract or clinical isolates. The group has several lines of research on the characterization of important foodborne pathogens for Public Health and the mechanisms involved in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance by using molecular tecniques as well as sequencing. It is outstanding the leadership of this group in international research projects and its collaboration with Public Administrations and companies. ZTA gives support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA) and the Community of Madrid developing surveillance programs for zoonotic agents.