MRSA
In this section you can find out more about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – one of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) current issues
MRSA is a major health concern in humans which can also colonise and cause infection in companion and farm animals. MRSA is of little risk to healthy animals and although transmission of infection from animals to man has been documented, the rate is thought to be low.
What the BVA has done
The BVA has issued
Advice
MRSA in cats and dogs - sporadic infections in cats and dogs have been anecdotally reported for years with the numbers increasing since Tomlin’s report in 1999.
Healthy cats and dogs are implicated in the transmission of the disease between humans and pets and can pose a risk to people with reduced immune systems.
Equally, pets who are immunosuppressed are most at risk. For this reason, strict hygiene should be in place and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) offers guidelines on this.
MRSA in horses - MRSA infections in horses are increasingly being reported and there is a risk of transmission to humans. Recognising risk factors such as poor hygiene and surgery remain key to successful control of infection.
MRSA in farm animals - MRSA has been reported in dairy cows and in pigs and humans in contact with them, implying cross species transmission. It has also been detected in meat and by-products in Korea.
More information