Tajikistan builds stronger laboratory systems to address antibiotic residues

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most serious global health threats of our time, with growing impacts on public health, sustainable development, and national economies. The presence of antimicrobial residues in food of animal origin, particularly in livestock products such as milk and meat, is a major concern. Inappropriate antibiotic use in animal production can result in residues entering the food chain, contributing to AMR and posing risks to consumer health and access to international markets.

The training aimed to strengthen the national and regional laboratory's capacity to detect antibiotic residues using the reliable and cost-effective Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. ELISA is a laboratory test that uses antibodies and enzymes to detect substances such as pathogens, hormones, or antibiotic residues in samples like milk, meat, serum, feed, or water.

Participants enhanced their understanding of ELISA principles, quality control procedures and result interpretation, while also developing practical skills in using Microsoft Excel for standardized data entry, analysis and reporting of laboratory results. 

“Reliable laboratory data form the basis of effective food safety systems," said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “By strengthening analytical techniques and data management, this training ensures that laboratory results can be used with confidence for surveillance, regulatory action and risk-based decision-making. This training ensures also moving towards obtaining accreditation according to international standards as per ISO 17025 requirements.” 

Noteworthy to mention that the training builds on FAO’s long-standing support to the Government of Tajikistan in addressing AMR in the food and agriculture sectors. In line with its mandate and the Global Action Plan on AMR, FAO has previously supported national capacity assessments using the FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems, delivered AMR laboratory trainings, supported pilot implementation of AMR surveillance, and provided technical assistance for developing national AMR surveillance plans in the food and livestock sectors.

“This training was highly practical and directly relevant to our daily laboratory work,” said Davlatov Davlatmand, Head of Center for Food Safety Diagnostic in Khatlon region. “Combining ELISA testing with Excel-based data analysis has improved our ability to generate accurate results, reduce errors and report findings in a standardized, reliable way.”

In May 2024, the Committee for Food Security (CFS) set up a National Reference Laboratory Network for AMR testing. The creation of a national AMR laboratory network within the food and agriculture sectors is a vital step towards generating and reporting standardized, high-quality AMR laboratory data, ensuring the harmonization of diagnostic techniques and strengthening the integration of laboratories involved in AMR surveillance.

As part of the project, the FAO provided reagents and laboratory equipment to detect residues of 11 antibiotics in food products, thereby strengthening national testing capacity. Additionally, presentations and discussions on AMR were held in 2025 as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), raising awareness and encouraging cross-sectoral dialogue.

This capacity-building activity demonstrates FAO’s ongoing dedication to bolstering food safety systems and tackling AMR via a One Health approach. It will support Tajikistan in improving public health protection and ensuring alignment with international food safety standards.