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New antibiotic compounds discovered in soil
The new compounds, named malacidins, were found in soil samples collected from across America.

Malacidins found to eliminate MRSA in rats

Researchers in America have found a new family of antibiotics that can kill drug-resistant bacteria.

The antibiotics, called malacidins, have proven successful at killing several infections that are difficult to treat, including MRSA. Researchers say that discovery, published in Nature Microbiology brings fresh hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

In the study, researchers collected 1,800 soil samples from sites across America and used a gene sequencing technique to study them. When they found malacidins in many of the samples, they tested them on rats with induced MRSA and it completely eliminated the infection.

Speaking to BBC News, Dr Sean Brady from Rockefeller University said that his team are now working to improve the drug’s effectiveness so that it can be developed into a treatment for humans.

“It is impossible to say when, or even if, an early stage antibiotic discovery like the malacidins will proceed to the clinic,” he said. “It is a long, arduous road from the initial discovery of an antibiotic to a clinically used entity."

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, accelerated by the overuse of antibiotics as well as poor infection prevention and control. According to the World Health Organisation, almost half a million people developed resistance to TB in 2016 and the issue is starting to complicate the fight against HIV and malaria.

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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
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.