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Viruses could be used to treat pig infections
pigs
Antibiotic resistance has prompted renewed interest in using phages to treat bacteria.
Leicester research will focus on Brachyspira and Salmonella

New research will investigate bacteriophages, or 'friendly' viruses, that could be used to treat Brachyspira and Salmonella in pigs.

Lead author Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester discussed her upcoming work at the BPEX Innovation Conference.

“In our work in humans we’ve been able to use certain viruses to treat the gut bacterium Clostridium difficile," she explained.

"Plus, because of the phages’ specificity, they can also be used to diagnose which bacteria are causing active infection."

While this method of treating bacteria has been in use for 100 years, rising concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted a renewed interest in the subject.

“Originally, the specificity of bacteriophages was seen as a challenge and the broad spectrum of antibiotics made them the favoured option when they were discovered," Prof Clokie continued.

"However, bacteriophages are highly specific to their host and only bind to and infect those bacteria. Because of this, they won’t damage the whole flora of the gut which makes them a valuable alternative option to antibiotics."

In future, Prof Clokie says they could be used on-farm or even in abattoirs to reduce carcase contamination. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.