ALTANT programme: four alternatives for the use of antibiotics

The agricultural sector still uses very large amounts of antibiotics – too many according to many scientists in the Netherlands and abroad. Their use results in bacteria that are harmful for humans and animals becoming increasingly resistant to treatment. This in turn increases the chance of untreatable disease outbreaks as well as a growing number of zoonoses – diseases transmitted between animals and humans. It is vital that alternative strategies are found to combat infectious bacteriological diseases.

To achieve this goal, Immuno Valley has instituted the ALTANT (ALTernatives for ANTibiotics) research programme, with funding for the initial phases from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. In this programme, scientists will study four different alternatives for the use of antibiotics. As soon as these alternatives prove their effectiveness in treating animal diseases, the business partners will begin product development.

ALTANT consists of:
  • ASIA: Animal-Specific Immunomodulatory Antimicrobials
  • EVAC: Evasion Molecules in Staphylococcal Bovine Mastitis VACcines
  • MODIPHY: Modulation with Immune-stimulating Phytochemicals
  • RESUPLYS: Reduction of Streptococcus Suis Infection by Use of Phages and Lysins