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Researchers identify potential new antibiotics in fish slime
The mucus had been swabbed from young deep-sea and surface-dwelling fish caught off the coast of Southern California.

Mucus protects young fish from bacteria and viruses

US researchers have identified bacteria in fish that could protect against known human pathogens.

The research, which will be presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, identified the bacteria in the protective mucus that coats young fish.

The mucus protects fish against viruses, fungi and bacteria in their environment before they can cause infections. The slime is also high in polysaccharides and peptides which are known to have antibacterial activity.

Molly Austin from Oregon State University, who conducted some of the research, said: “Fish mucus is really interesting because the environment the fish live in is complex. They are in contact with their environment all the time with many pathogenic viruses.”

In the study, researchers isolated and screened 47 different strains of bacteria from the slime. Five bacterial extracts showed strong resistance to inhibited methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and three repelled Candida albicans - a fungus pathogenic to humans.

Furthermore, a bacteria derived from a particular Pacific pink perch showed strong resistance against MRSA and against a colon carcinoma cell line.

The mucus had been swabbed from young deep-sea and surface-dwelling fish caught off the coast of Southern California. Researchers say they examined young fish because they have a less-developed immune system and more mucus on the outside of their scales.

The team are now interested to see if there is anything in the mucus that could help to protect humans. They are also looking to explore where fish mucus could help reduce the use of antibiotics in fish farming.

Before this, however, the researchers aim to see if the bacteria they studied were typical of the fishes’ microbiomes, or if they just happened to hitch on for a ride at the time of sampling.

Image (C) Aquaimages/Wikimedia

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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.