Yorkshire Wildlife Park could hold key to preventing 7,000 amputations a year

Scientists find animals’ waste may contain bacteriophages needed for fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Zoo animal faeces contain bacteria-fighting viruses that could stop infections and prevent 7,000 amputations in Britain each year, scientists believe.

Experts from Sheffield University have been hunting for viruses called bacteriophages, which burrow into bacteria and hijack their biology.

Scientists have long-believed that phages could be useful for killing bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics.

The team examined faecal matter from a number of animals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park that contained phages capable of killing the bacterial species that cause foot ulcers.