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Komodo dragon blood could help in AMR fight
komodo dragon
Komodo dragon saliva contains at least 57 species of bacteria that are thought to help kill their prey, but the Komodo itself appears to be resistant to the bacteria.
Scientists identify antimicrobial activity in lizard’s blood

Antimicrobial substances discovered in the blood of Komodo dragons could help with the development of new drugs for treating antibiotic resistant infections, scientists say.

A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research describes antimicrobial protein fragments that appear to help the lizards resist deadly infections.

Komodo dragon saliva contains at least 57 species of bacteria that are thought to help kill their prey, but the Komodo itself appears to be resistant to the bacteria.

Researchers from the College of Science at George Mason University identified and sequenced 48 potential cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) - an essential part of the innate immune system - in the blood of Komodo dragons. All but one of these were derived from histone proteins, which are known to have antimicrobial activities.

Eight were synthesised and tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Seven out of eight showed significant potency against both bacteria and the eighth was only effective against P. aeruginosa. The researchers conclude that Komodo blood plasma contains a host of potentially viable antimicrobial peptides that could lead to new treatments.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
King Charles becomes patron of The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has announced that King Charles has become its latest patron, continuing a long-standing royal tradition.

His patronage follows the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron from 1952, the year of her coronation, until her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club has received royal support since it began in 1873, when it received support from Prince Edward, then Prince of Wales. When he ascended to the throne in 1901, King Edward began a tradition of the head of state offering their patronage.

Tony Allcock, Kennel Club Chairman, said: "We are delighted and most honoured that His Majesty the King will continue the tradition of royal support for The Kennel Club and help us in our mission in making a positive difference for dogs and their owners."