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Antibiotic resistant Klebsiella in wild seals
seal
Investigators believe the most likely source of infection to be microbial marine pollution of human origin.
Infections thought to be of human origin
 
Antibiotic resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae of suspected human origin has been found in free-living common seals on the east coast of England, vets have confirmed.

Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies pneumoniae (Kpp) was isolated from lesions in three juvenile seals found with ill health or abandoned ashore. Further testing revealed all three isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance, and two isolates were ST11 - an epidemic clone of Kpp found in people worldwide, often with ESBL or carbapenemase resistance.

Bacteria belonging to the Klebsiella genus are a common cause of hospital-acquired infections in humans. Klebsiella pneumoniae, in particular, accounts for a significant proportion of hospital-acquired urinary, respiratory or generalised infections. In healthcare settings, it has developed increasing resistance to antimicrobials, most recently to carbapenems.

Investigators believe the most likely source of infection to be microbial marine pollution of human origin, possibly human sewage contaminated by Kpp being deposited in the North Sea.

The full paper, which was authored by vets from the APHA, International Zoo Veterinary Group and the RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital, has been published by the Veterinary Record.

There have been previous reports of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from free-living wild species. Recent UK evidence suggests wild grey seals may be infected with Salmonella species shared with humans as a result of microbial marine pollution. Kpp has been isolated as the probable cause of lesions in two species of wild sea lions found ill or dead off the coasts of New Zealand and California. The Kpp ST11 was also isolated from dogs and cats in Spain.

However, authors writing in Vet Record say their cases provide the first evidence that antibiotic resistant Kpp belonging to a sequence type usually associated with humans, can be isolated from diseased wild seals in the UK, stranding from North Sea coastal waters.

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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.