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Antibiotic pollution harms pond snails’ ability to learn
“If we find this effect in snails, it is highly likely that antibiotics are having similar effects on other aquatic animals” – Sarah Dalesman.
Study finds disruption to gut microbiome affects memory formation.

Water polluted with antibiotics can stop pond snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Aberystwyth University found that snails in clean water were much better at learning to avoid contaminated food than those in water polluted with high concentrations of antibiotics.

The study adds to the growing body of research on the negative impact of antibiotic pollution, with the researchers calling for more to be done to stop the chemicals entering the environment.

During the study, the pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) were given carrot juice, a favourite food, which had been paired with a chemical (potassium chloride) that is an aversive stimulus for the species.

The snails in the clean water quickly learned that the carrot juice was no longer safe to eat and avoided it. However, the snails in the polluted water failed to remember. This impact on their memory could hurt their survival chances in the wild.

Sarah Dalesman, a lecturer in freshwater biology at Aberystwyth University and co-author of the study, said: “Previous research has found pond snails have to learn about predators, what is good or bad to eat, and even remember who they have mated with.

“Anything that interferes with their memory will reduce their survival.”

The study found that the antibiotics in the water had changed the gut microbiome of the snails, altering the levels of certain bacteria that have been found to have a connection with memory formation in other animals.

Previous studies have shown a link between the gut microbiome and brain function in terrestrial species, but this is the first time that this has been shown to be the case in pond snails.

The concentration of antibiotics the snails were exposed to was similar to those detected in freshwater in the UK and other parts of the world.

Dr Dalesman added: “If we find this effect in snails, it is highly likely that antibiotics are having similar effects on other aquatic animals.

“We hope this study prompts greater emphasis on the importance of healthy gut microbiomes for wildlife and increases efforts to reduce the chemicals entering our environment.”

The study has been published in The ISME Journal: Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology.

Image © Shutterstock

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.