Seagulls linked to superbugs

Seagulls from a species that feeds on human rubbish are harbouring highly drug-resistant superbugs, a study has found.

Researchers analysed 57 samples of droppings from the yellow-legged gull Larus Cachinnans. They found that one in 10 carried superbug bacteria resistant to the "last resort" antibiotic vancomycin, which is used when most others have failed.

Lead research Dr Gilberto Igrejas said: "Migrating birds that fly and travel long distances can act as transporters, or as reservoirs, of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and may consequently have a significant role in the dissemination of resistance".