The aim of the procurement is to increase knowledge on resistance to antibiotics in Norwegian nature, so that we can better identify connections between resistance in the environment and the spread of resistance to antibiotics. Such knowledge will be of importance for limiting the spread of resistance to antibiotics in Norway, but also elsewhere in the world.

A mapping shall be carried out on the occurrence of bacteria that are resistant to relevant clinical antibiotics in 2 different natural environments in Norway. The mapping shall preferably occur in 2 of the following natural environments: soil, water, sewage or wild mammals.

Each natural environment will be a sub-assignment in this procurement. A sub-assignment comprises collecting, processing and analysing samples from 3 areas with different degrees of exposure to antibiotics and possibly other resistance substances.

Established standard methodology shall be used. The results shall be seen in connection with known/expected exposure for antibiotics resistance and/or resistance to other substances.