Characterization and manipulation of bacterial microbiomes in domestic animals

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Animals harbour complex, diverse and typically poorly defined microbial populations at various body sites. While poorly defined, it is clear that these populations (the microbiota) and the sum of their genetic elements and interactions (the microbiome) play critical roles in both development and prevention of various diseases, including disease not classically considered to be infectious. New technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the body's microbiomes, thereby creating unique opportunities for development and testing of novel and non-antimicrobial preventive and therapeutic methods for animals. The potential for safe and effective biotherapeutic (microbial-based) approaches for prevention or treatment of disease is highly appealing, particularly given the epidemic of antimicrobial resistance that is both limiting available treatment options and increasing scrutiny of antimicrobial use in animals. Yet, only with proper understanding of the host's 'normal' microbial population can biotherapeutic approaches be properly developed and evaluated.