Feed Contaminants and Antimicrobial Resistance Dynamics in Poultry Production in Kenya
PhD candidate: Njaramba, Jane Kagure
Jane Kagure Njaramba holds a BSc in Forensic Science from Kenyatta University, Kenya (2015) and an MSc in Genetics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya (2020). Prior to her doctoral studies, Jane worked as a Research Officer at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), gaining hands-on experience applying molecular techniques to address issues at the wildlife-livestock-human interface. Since October 2022, she has been pursuing her PhD through the Special Research Fund (BOF) Sandwich Programme at Ghent University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This doctoral research was carried out jointly with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where her research activities were supported by the CGIAR One Health Initiative "Protecting human health through One Health approach" and the CGIAR Science Program Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF).
Supervisors: Prof. dr. Gunther Antonissen, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University - Prof. dr. Arshnee Moodley, International Livestock Research Institute (Kenya), University of Copenhagen (Denmark) - Dr. Dishon Muloi, International Livestock Research Institute (Kenya)
Short description
Intensive poultry production systems are recognised as important environments for the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven by factors such as antibiotic use, disease pressure, and management practices. Beyond the intentional administration of antibiotics, poultry may also be exposed to antimicrobial compounds through contaminated feed, while other feed contaminants, such as mycotoxins, may act as environmental stressors capable of influencing microbial communities and resistance development. Despite these potential pathways, information on the occurrence of antibiotic residues and mycotoxins in poultry feed remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. Furthermore, little is known about how exposure to these feed contaminants, especially mycotoxins, may influence bacterial responses to antibiotics and contribute to AMR dynamics. This thesis investigated poultry feed as a potential source of antimicrobial and mycotoxin exposure and examined its relevance to AMR within Kenyan broiler production systems. Specifically, it assessed the occurrence and concentrations of antibiotic residues and mycotoxins in poultry feed, characterised temporal patterns of AMR genes on broiler farms, evaluated the suitability of rapid antibiotic screening tools for feed testing, and explored the effects of mycotoxin exposure on bacterial growth and antimicrobial susceptibility. These objectives were addressed through a combination of epidemiological surveillance and experimental laboratory studies, providing insights into potential links between feed contaminants and AMR in poultry production.
Practical
Date: Monday 12 October 2026, 16:00
Location: Sint-Baafshuis – Zaal 2.06, Biezekapelstraat 2, 9000 Ghent
If you would like to attend, please register before 5 October 2026, by email to Jane.Njaramba@UGent.be A meeting link will be shared with participants who wish to attend remotely.