Deadly bacteria killed two crocodiles in northern Australia, despite species being highly resistant

Crocodiles may not be as highly resistant to infections as previously thought, as a newly released study shows a deadly bacterium was responsible for killing two saltwater crocs in the Top End. Key points: The last report of a saltwater crocodile being infected with melioidosis was over 30 years ago Darwin has the highest recorded rates of the deadly bacteria in any city in the world An expert in the NT has said they are on the forefront of research into crocodile antibodies The research, from Menzies School of Health Research and published in the Microbial Genomics journal, investigated the deaths of two hatchling saltwater crocodiles at Crocodylus Park in Darwin. Although melioidosis has been identified in a wide array of animal species, the last report of a saltwater crocodile being infected by the disease in the Top End was over 30 years ago. "Prior to this investigation, there is only a single report of infection of a crocodile in the Top End, and that was a limb wound occurring around 30 years ago," Ms Rachlin said. "The key issue here is that although we have found two hatchlings with the disease, the Territory breeds tens of thousands of crocs who are resistant, that is an exciting prospect," Professor Webb said.