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New insights into superbug link between humans and animals
By looking at the bacteria’s evolutionary history, researchers found that humans are likely to be the original host for the bacteria. (Stock photo)
Gene study could help to tackle antibiotic resistance 

Scientists have shed new light on how disease-causing strains of Staphylococcus aureus can jump between humans and animals.

A team led by the Roslin Institute studied the genetic make-up of more than 800 strains of the bacteria, which were isolated from people and animals.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, could help to improve the use of antibiotics and limit the spread of disease.

Antibiotic strains of S aureus, such as MRSA, are a major cause of hospital acquired infections. It is also a serious burden for the agricultural industry, causing diseases such as mastitis in cows and skeletal infections in broiler chickens.

By looking at the bacteria’s evolutionary history, researchers found that humans are likely to be the original host for the bacteria. The first strains capable of infecting livestock emerged around the same time that animals were domesticated for farming.

The study also revealed that cows were a source of strains that now cause infections in humans worldwide, which underlines the importance of disease surveillance in humans and animals, in order to spot strains that could cause major epidemics.

Furthermore, each time the bacteria jumps species, it acquires new genes that allow it to survive in the new host. In some cases, these genes can also confer resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

Researchers also found that the genes linked to antibiotic resistance are unevenly distributed among strains that infect humans, compared to those that infect animals. They believe this reflects the different practices linked with antibiotic usage in medicine and agriculture.

Professor Ross Fitzgerald, group leader at the Roslin Institute, commented: “Our findings provide a framework to understand how some bacteria can cause disease in both humans and animals and could ultimately reveal novel therapeutic targets.”

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.