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New understanding of bacterial infections found in noses of healthy cattle
"These techniques and results offer a way forward in understanding why and how apparently healthy cattle harbouring these bacteria may go on to develop respiratory illness" - Amy Thomas.
Findings could help to prevent and control respiratory infections

Scientists at the University of Bristol have gained a fresh understanding of bacterial infections found in the noses of healthy cattle.

Published in Scientific Reports, the paper describes how researchers used a ‘one health’ approach to study three bacterial species - Pasteurella, Histophilus and Mannheimia - which can cause serious illness, especially when the infection takes hold in the lower respiratory tract.

Researchers found the carriage patterns of the three bacteria varied remarkably. The findings are significant because, when combined with animal and human health research, they could help to prevent and control respiratory infections.

In the study, researchers used molecular detection tools to collect nasal swabs from young cattle. The swabs were taken at intervals during the first year of life to detect the presence of bacteria and measure its abundance.

Researchers detected Pasteurella in most of the animals. Large numbers of the bacteria were usually present, and the bacteria remained in the nose for several weeks or months.

They also found that Histophilus was present in up to half the animals, usually in smaller numbers and the periods it was present were shorter. The team rarely found Mannheimia, although the numbers detected, when present, varied widely.

"These techniques and results offer a way forward in understanding why and how apparently healthy cattle harbouring these bacteria may go on to develop respiratory illness and should help in finding new ways to prevent it,” explained lead author Amy Thomas, who conducted the study as part of her PhD studies in clinical veterinary science.

The team says that, in addition to helping to control respiratory infections, the findings could also be used in the fight against global warming.

“These studies are particularly important because cattle are known to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and improving how their diseases are controlled will help mitigate climate change,” commented Professor Mark Eisler, co-author and chair in global farm animal health at Bristol Veterinary School.

“Reducing the use of antimicrobials that treat respiratory diseases in cattle should help reduce the increasing global threat of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans."

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.