Antibiotic-resistant bacteria detected in UK rivers poses a huge health risk

In a test commissioned by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), Fera Science and the campaigner group Alliance to Save our Antibiotics took 48 water and sediment samples from rivers near 12 pig and poultry farms in the Wye Valley and southeast Norfolk, finding evidence of antibiotic-resistant E.Coli and Staphylococcus aureus across the sites.

These microbes have been responsible for some of the highest human infections and deaths associated with antibiotic resistance. Testing showed stronger signs of resistance downstream rather than upstream, with five of eight of the intensive poultry and pig farms located further downstream. This could suggest that antibiotics were used at these locations.  But testing from four free-range and organic farms showed no difference upstream or downstream.  

Cóilín Nunan, scientific adviser to the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics, which is organic farming and animal welfare organisations, said: “There does seem to be a lot of resistance, which is of relevance to human health in the environment near these farms. This is definitely going to help the spread of resistance back to humans and animals.”

Mr Nunan also warned that he saw swimmers at one of the tested sites, a concern as these people could swallow the water and get a bacterial infection that may not be able to be treated with antibiotics. 

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1699885/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-superbug-amr-uk-rivers