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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.