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Komodo dragon blood could help in AMR fight
komodo dragon
Komodo dragon saliva contains at least 57 species of bacteria that are thought to help kill their prey, but the Komodo itself appears to be resistant to the bacteria.
Scientists identify antimicrobial activity in lizard’s blood

Antimicrobial substances discovered in the blood of Komodo dragons could help with the development of new drugs for treating antibiotic resistant infections, scientists say.

A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research describes antimicrobial protein fragments that appear to help the lizards resist deadly infections.

Komodo dragon saliva contains at least 57 species of bacteria that are thought to help kill their prey, but the Komodo itself appears to be resistant to the bacteria.

Researchers from the College of Science at George Mason University identified and sequenced 48 potential cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) - an essential part of the innate immune system - in the blood of Komodo dragons. All but one of these were derived from histone proteins, which are known to have antimicrobial activities.

Eight were synthesised and tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Seven out of eight showed significant potency against both bacteria and the eighth was only effective against P. aeruginosa. The researchers conclude that Komodo blood plasma contains a host of potentially viable antimicrobial peptides that could lead to new treatments.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.