A call for precision: rethinking epidemiological terms applied to wildlife in antimicrobial resistance studies

ABSTRACT Wildlife is often referred to as antibiotic resistance (AMR) “reservoirs,” “spreaders,” or “disseminators” without a clear ecological justification for these terms, contributing to a negative image and suggesting unnecessary control measures. We (i) discuss these epidemiological concepts within the AMR context and (ii) briefly describe a standardized framework and propose key recommendations to support, or not, their use in wildlife AMR studies. Addressing these knowledge gaps and design challenges based on the correct application of these epidemiological concepts is crucial to assess the role of wildlife within the One Health AMR cycle. By evaluating the wildlife component as part of the broader human-animal-environmental interface and not as an isolated scenario, we avoid erroneous scientific interpretations and stigmatization. Wildlife must not be viewed as “threat” but as another epidemiological factor in order to assess their epidemiological role and support the development of effective future public policies and mitigation measures.